Throwing away electronics and chargers when they are broken or outdated is not the best thing to do when it comes to the environment, and it may be doing more damage than you think.

Why you should recycle

Many people don’t know that you can recycle these items instead of throwing them away. Drury freshman, Tatum Clark, says that she even keeps something called an “electronic bucket” in her room.

“It’s where I put all my old phone and video game stuff in,” Clark explained. “If I get rid of the phone then I throw the chargers away.”

According to Consumer Reports, a United Nations study found that 44.7 million tons of electronic waste was discarded in 2016, yet only 20 percent of it was disposed of properly. Toxins from the electronics can then pollute the air, land and water. Instead of throwing away those broken chargers or headphones, you can take them to one of the many electronic recycling centers in Springfield.

It’s easier than you think

Clark admitted she knows little of electronic recycling. She’s not alone; many people know very little about how to properly dispose of old or broken electronics.

According to an article from Earth911, the United States produces more electronic waste than any other country. Americans throw away 9.4 million tons of e-waste each year. The article reported that according to e-waste disposal rates, Americans are throwing away over $60 million in gold and silver from their phones each year.

There is a bountiful amount of options when it comes to recycling in Springfield. Retailers like Verizon, Best Buy and Staples will accept certain materials. The information concerning what they’ll accept and what to do is just a phone call or click away.

Apple even offers a trade-in program for eligible devices. If the device isn’t eligible for trade-in, then they’ll recycle it for free.

There are also recycling centers in Springfield specifically for electronics, like the Computer Recycling Center, CMC Recycling and Complete Electronics Recycling.

Reducing our amount of electronic waste will make the planet a happier and healthier place to live. The next time your charger breaks, instead of tossing it in the garbage, take it to one of the numerous places in Springfield that will recycle electronics.

Written by Kelli Volonte.