Water Quality District - Hazardous Waste
Electronics
What are They?
There are a variety of consumer products that may be considered electronics. In addition, there are many associated products that end up in landfills. Certain types of electrical consumer products need to managed appropriately and cannot be put in the trash, such as a refrigerator. However, some other types of electronics may be placed in the trash, because they are often difficult or uneconomical to repair and pose little risk to the environment.
Battery-Operated
If your electronic item uses a battery, see Batteries for several recycling options of the battery.
For Other Types Of Electronics
Including answering machines, blow dryers, calculators, CD players, clock radios, curling irons, DVD players, electric razors, fans, fax machines, keyboards, lamps, photocopiers, printers, scanners, speakers, telephones, VCRs, and videogames, computer disks, ink cartridges, audio & video tapes see the disposal options listed below.
Cell Phones
If you have a cell phone, see Cell Phones for proper recycling and disposal information.
Camcorders
If you have a camcorder, see Cameras & Camcorders for proper recycling and disposal information.
Major Appliances
If you have a major appliance such as a clothes washer and dryer, hot water heater, heat pump, furnace, garbage disposal, trash compactor, conventional and microwave oven, range and stove, air conditioner, dehumidifier, refrigerator or freezer, see Major Appliances for proper recycling and disposal information.
Small Appliances
If you have a small appliance such as a blender, chopper, coffee maker, crock pot, electric mixers, irons or water softener, to name a few examples, see Small Appliances for proper recycling and disposal information.
Computers & Televisions
If you have a computer or television, see Computers & Televisions for proper recycling and disposal information.
Disposal Options
Reuse:
- Give Away: If you have a usable electronic item to give away, contact the Missoulian, Missoula Independent.
- Donate: Donate your good, working electronics to a thrift store or organization in need. You could receive a tax deduction, and would be helping someone else out.
- Call a local church, school, or daycare to inquire if they could use such items.
Recycle and Dispose:
- Learn more about recycling electronics at the EPA Recycling Website.
- Some dealers, retailers, or manufacturers will take back old equipment when new equipment is purchased. Ask your dealer or manufacturer about programs that accept old equipment for resale or recycling.
- Most small electronic items such as coffee makers, and toasters, can be placed in the trash. If you are uncertain about how to dispose of an item, call BFI for information (728-9572).
- Computer disks, inkjet & toner cartridges, audio and video tapes, and plastic disk or tape cases can be sent to Greendisk or other specialty recycler.
The Residential Disposal Guide is provided by the Missoula Valley Water Quality District as a public service and is not an endorsement of specific businesses, services or products. Any omissions or inaccuracies are unintentional. Please contact us with corrections or additions. Call businesses or agencies to confirm hours, locations and charges for services, if any. For information on disposal of items not listed, email or call the Water Quality District at 406-258-4890, M - F, 8 am to 5 pm.
Much of the information provided is from the Washington County, MN, Dept. of Public Health and Environment website.
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