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While electronics manufacturers continue to explore ways to make eco-friendly products that contain fewer chemicals and use less energy, we can all play a role in limiting our impact on the environment. Crutchfield supports the Consumer Electronics Association's myGreenElectronics program.
What are the best ways to dispose of electronics (e-waste)?
Although recycling is often the first option that comes to mind, recycling should actually be the last option you consider. First, think of re-using or repairing the product.
Re-use
Keep it out of the waste stream by finding someone else who can use it. Sell it
or donate it to charity. You can also ask friends, co-workers or family if they
are interested in any of your electronics. While the product may no longer meet
your needs, your nephew might be looking for something just like it.
Repair
Although buying new products is often more practical than fixing old ones, the impact
on the environment may be less if you repair. If you don't want to pay to repair
the product, see if a local charity or electronic repair shop would be willing to
take the product for free, so they can fix it and sell it.
Recycle locally
If you have access to a free or inexpensive drop-off point, local recycling is the
best option. Use the locator at right to search by zip code for a recycling center
near you.*
Sony will accept any of its products at participating centers and recycle them for free. Samsung also provides this service, free of charge with Samsung electronics and for a nominal fee with non-Samsung products. Panasonic, Sharp Electronics, and Toshiba teamed up to form the Manufacturers Recycling Management Corporation, which holds electronics collection and recycling events around the country.
Crutchfield takes a leading role in its own community
Since there was no permanent, full-time electronics recycling facility near Crutchfield's Charlottesville, Virginia headquarters, we took the
lead and started our own program in August of 2006. When we started
our program, the director of the local solid waste authority estimated
that we would collect 15-20 tons per year of electronics. In the first year of operation, we recycled 125 tons of old TVs, computers, stereos
and other items. By February, 2008, the intake had exceeded 260 tons.
Retail store customers buying a new item to replace an old one can bring in the old one and have it recycled for free. If the new product requires delivery, the delivery team will remove the old one for free. Charlottesville-area residents who have questions may visit crutchfield.com/recycle.
At corporate headquarters, we recycle paper, plastic, aluminum, glass and printer cartridges. We also recycle all cardboard that enters our warehouse.
* The locator is powered by myGreenElectronics.org. Crutchfield does not endorse the recyclers listed in the directory. Do your own research to determine whether your local recycler operates in a responsible manner.
