Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling
Batteries and electronics often contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment, so it’s not a good idea to put these in a landfill bin. E-waste is dangerous when disposed of improperly. Electronic devices are composed of toxic substances and heavy metals, such as chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead. When these materials sit and degrade in a landfill, there is an increased risk that these toxic metals can infiltrate surrounding waterways.
Recycling these metals also mitigates the demand to mine new raw materials.
Visit the U.S. EPA's website for more information about electronics stewardship.
Where can I recycle e-waste on campus?
There are currently 5 e-waste towers on campus.
- Tyler Haynes Commons, 2nd Floor
- Weinstein Center, Main Lobby
- Well-being Center, Lower Lobby Area
- Law Library, Circulation Desk
- Boatwright Memorial Library, 2nd Floor
Each Spring, Rethink Waste hosts a campuswide e-waste recycling event. This event is for UR faculty, staff, and students and a UR-issued ID (One Card/Spider Card) is required for entry. We are thrilled to be able to bring this opportunity to campus!
What is e-waste?
E-waste includes electronic equipment that no longer works or is past its useful life. We will accept your old computers, printers, phones, TVs, and just about anything else with a plug. Many of these products contain harmful chemicals that must be carefully disposed of in order to avoid polluting the environment. Thank you for helping us keep these items out of the landfill.