Common Electronics Items You Should Always Recycle

Some electronics should never go in the trash -- ever. Here's a rundown of the most common items and why each requires certified recycling.

While all electronics technically qualify as e-waste, some items are more hazardous or more valuable than others. Here are the items that should always go to a certified recycler, no exceptions.

Computers and laptops: High data sensitivity plus valuable metals (gold, silver, copper, aluminum) plus hazardous materials in batteries and capacitors. Always certify data destruction. Always recycle.

Hard drives and SSDs: Even wiped drives should go to a recycler -- they contain rare earth magnets (HDDs) and precious metals (both). Never trash them, even if you've wiped them.

Smartphones and tablets: High data sensitivity, lithium batteries (fire hazard in trash), valuable platinum and gold in processor components. Always factory reset, always recycle.

Printers and copiers: Often overlooked, but modern multifunction printers have internal hard drives that store images of every document copied or scanned. These drives must be wiped or destroyed.

Servers and networking equipment: Often contain multiple drives and large quantities of copper and aluminum. Enterprise equipment may have firmware-level security features -- consult your ITAD provider about proper decommission procedures.

Batteries of all types: Lithium, NiMH, lead-acid -- all are regulated hazardous waste. Call2Recycle has drop-off locations at most major retailers. Never put batteries in trash or curbside recycling.