E-Waste Disposal Made Easy

Properly Disposing of Electronics

By Kent Yang | Staff Writer

Since the early twentieth century, electronic waste has existed alongside technologies such as telephones and radios, which utilized vacuum tubes. However, at the time, there wasn’t much concern for the environment regarding electronic waste. It wasn’t until 1976, when the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) went into effect, that the disposal of e-waste into landfills became illegal. The purpose of the RCRA was to protect the environment and human health from the toxicity and hazards of waste disposal.

Improperly disposed e-waste can have severe consequences, including contamination of water, soil, and even the air. According to the World Health Organization, e-waste contains neurotoxicants that can impact neonatal outcomes among pregnant women, as well as affect the central nervous and respiratory systems, leading to increased asthma incidences.

To properly dispose of e-waste, visit https://recyclesmartma.org/beyond-the-bin-search/ and follow these steps:

1. Enter your item.
   
2. Enter your Zip Code.
   
3. Drag the distance slider.
   
4. Click “Search,” and it will populate numerous locations where you can drop off your item.

Listed below are some other locations for e-waste drop offs. Please note that not all drop-offs are free of charge. It is recommended to call ahead before visiting:

1. AKS Recycling
   15 Cobbler Drive, Fitchburg, MA 01420
   Phone: (978) 345-9425

2. All American Recycling
   15 Oak Hill Lane, Fitchburg, MA 01420
   Phone: (978) 772-2854

3. Best Buy
   33 Orchard Hill Park Drive, Leominster, MA 01453
   Phone: (978) 537-9042

4. Goodwill
   25 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01605
   Phone: (508) 752-4042

5. D&D Waste Removal
   72 Jackson Ave, Fitchburg, MA 01420
   Phone: (978) 342-6893

6. East Coast Electronics
   68 Walker Road, Shirley, MA
   Phone: (978) 537-9940

7. Harvey Recycling
   50 Arbor Way, Fitchburg, MA 01420
   Phone: (978) 342-2200

8. PC Survivors of Massachusetts
   342 Circuit St Ste. 4, Hanover, MA 02339
   Phone: (781) 924-3071

9. Raw Material Recovery
   461 West Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440
   Phone: (978) 730-8266

10. Staples
    60 Pearson Blvd, Gardner, MA 01440
    Phone: (978) 632-4285

11. Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center
    131 Raymond Huntington Hwy, West Boylston, MA 01583
    Phone: (978) 464-2854