Recycle your e-waste!

by Robert Yang | June 5, 2023

When I saw dead pixels in the middle of my TV screen, it was unwatchable. Before buying a new one, I dropped the TV off at T & N Computer Recycling Services in Makiki on Oahu. Not long after, my out-of-warranty refrigerator broke. The delivery service hauled away my old refrigerator and told me they’d help me recycle it.

The privilege of owning technology makes our lives easier, more convenient and fun, but also includes the duty to responsibly dispose of them.

Most electronics contain some form of toxic materials, including beryllium, cadmium, mercury, and lead, which pose serious environmental risks to our soil, water, air, and wildlife. When e-waste is buried at a landfill, it breaks down into a sludge that has traces of those toxic materials and gradually permeates into the ground and slowly makes its way into our groundwater. That’s why we should avoid throwing away our e-waste if recycling is an option.

Here are ways to responsibly dispose of your e-waste when they’re broken or when it’s time to replace or upgrade:

• Computers, monitors, laptops, tablets/e-readers, printers, televisions — Drop these items off at an e-waste collection center such as: E-Opala, Pacific Commercial Services, T & N Computer Recycling Services, ECycling Maui LLC dba ReThink Center, Molokai-Naiwa Landfill & Recycling Center, Mr. K’s Recycle & Redemption Center. For addresses and contact information, please visit the state website. Some manufacturers also have their own specific collection service.
• Washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers — Most delivery services offer an option to take your old one back so be sure to sign up for delivery if it’s available. Hawaii Energy offers a haul away service program where they help you recycle your appliance and even offer a cash rebate or discount towards your new replacement. For more information, please visit Hawaii Energy’s website.
• Smartphones — These devices can be traded in or recycled at your local mobile service provider.

• Light bulbs — CFLs and LEDs can also be considered as e-waste. They can be recycled at Home Depot. Not every Home Depot location recycles LEDs so please call the location before you head over. Fluorescent tubes can be brought into the city’s Household Hazardous Waste bi-monthly events by appointment. LEDs and incandescent light bulbs can be safely thrown away in your trash.

In addition, your local Best Buy retail store will also accept e-waste related to batteries, television, computers, tablets, cell phones, radios, vacuums, fans, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, freezers, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, video game consoles, cameras and more.

I hope you found this quick list to be helpful when having to dispose an appliance or electronic. Let’s try to recycle the item first! Remember that we all need to take care of this planet so please be responsible and minimize e-waste!

Robert Yang is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.