Just Point and It's Gone!

About Junk King's Electronic Waste Disposal & Removal Services

E-Waste, or electronic waste, is everywhere in our homes and offices. At the rate that most of us replace and upgrade electronics to new models, our old gadgets end up not getting used, often collecting dust in some basement or office. Think about your home right now: how many printers, computer monitors and old TV sets have been out of commission for over a year now? If you counted a few or more, it’s probably time to get rid of those E-Waste items.

Junk King provides an efficient, safe and eco-friendly E-Waste removal service so you don’t need to worry about the pick up or disposal of those old items. Not only that, but we make sure that your old electronics end up in the right place: whether it be a charity if the electronics are still functioning, or a recycling facility to ensure your E-Waste is disposed of in an eco-friendly way.

We remove almost all types of e-waste, including:

Not only are we pros in E-Waste removal, we specialize in all sorts of junk removal including:

Ready to remove those old electronics? It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3. You make an appointment by booking online above or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865). Our professional and insured E-Waste removal team will show up at your home or office; we call 15 minutes before we arrive on site and we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your junk takes up in our truck. You point and we haul those items into our junk removal trucks, with no hidden fees.

E-Waste is Rich in Resources

Not only can the planet and the landfills benefit if more E-Waste is processed and recycled, but manufacturing can benefit, as well. Here are some statistics from the EPA illustrating the massive amounts of raw materials that can be extracted from E-Waste:

1. It is estimated that over 35,000 lbs of copper, 7702 lbs of silver, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium can be recovered from every one million cell phones thrown out.
2. One ton of circuit boards is estimated to contain 40-800 times more gold than one metric ton of ore.
3. There is 30-40 times more copper in a ton of circuit boards than can be mined from one metric ton of ore.
4. Recycling one million laptops could save the equivalent of all the electricity used by almost 3,700 American homes each year.
5. Every year Americans throw out old phones containing over $60 million in gold and/or silver.

Learn more about our e-waste removal services

• What is E-Waste Disposal?
• The State of E-Waste
• How to get rid of E-Waste
• E-Waste and hazardous materials
• Large E-Waste Disposal
• Cost of E-Waste removal
• How to choose an E-Waste disposal company
• E-Waste Disposal FAQs
• E-Waste Disposal Services
• E-Waste Disposal: How to Protect Your Data

What is E-Waste Disposal?

While it may seem perfectly okay to toss out your old electronics in the household trash, you really can’t do that legally in most places. In addition, larger electronics may not fit in your residential waste containers.

And the reality is that disposing of electronic waste, or E-Waste as it's called, can be a bit more problematic than just tossing it in the garbage can. In fact, don't be surprised if your local waste management provider refuses to take it.

There are a number of issues with E-Waste disposal that must be addressed in order to dispose of it properly. Because of the increasing number of laws and regulations, especially in states like California, many items such as computer monitors, TVs, and even cell phones and batteries can’t be tossed in the trash anymore.

Not only that, if you need to dispose of a computer monitor or television - especially any of the old CRT devices that are still around - it’s a process that can take time, effort and money.

One of the main reasons E-Waste presents such a disposal challenge is that almost all E-Waste items contain toxic materials that have been determined to be hazardous to the environment and to human health.

Maybe you’ve still got your old cell phone after getting a new one for Christmas, or you’re ready to upgrade now. The question now is what to do with your old phone? If your carrier doesn’t ask to have it back, you have a few options.

You could hold to it and keep it as a backup phone. You could give it one of the kids or someone else in your family. And you could even give it to a friend or someone you know who might not be able to afford one themselves.

Aside from either keeping it for yourself or giving it to someone you know, you still have two other options before disposing of it (properly!):

• You can try to get cash, credit or trade-in value.
• You can donate it to a worthy cause.

(back to top)

The State of E-Waste

How big of a piece of the overall waste stream is made up of E-Waste? The following facts about E-Waste reveal the growing size of the problem:

• The United States produces more E-Waste annually than any other country.
• Americans throw away over 9.4 million tons of electronics annually.
• California alone produced 210,790,222 lbs of E-Waste in 2012 - over 5 pounds for every California resident.
• E-Waste represents only 2% of the solid waste stream in the U.S. but accounts for 70% of the hazardous waste in landfills.

Recycling is a practical and beneficial alternative to simply dumping E-Waste. Unfortunately, we are still a long way from being fully efficient with E-Waste recycling. In fact, according to the EPA, only a little over 12% of E-Waste is recycled. However, there is huge potential for reclaiming valuable materials and resources within E-Waste components.

(back to top)

How to get rid of E-Waste

Getting rid of E-Waste is largely dependent on the type of device you need to dispose of. For example, old cell phones and mobile devices, if they are still working or can be easily refurbished, can usually be donated, or given to friends or family.

Old computer equipment and printers, on the other hand, may be a bit more difficult to donate or give away. However, even older systems can find a good home if they are working and in good condition. We discuss TVs in another section here, but these, too, can be donated if they work and are in decent shape.

Depending on the type of device you are trying to get rid of, thrift shops and charitable organizations that sponsor second-hand stores may be a likely destination for your unwanted items. Technically, if your electronic device finds a new owner, then it shouldn’t be considered “E-Waste” any longer!

However, if you’re not interested in selling your old electronic devices or going to the trouble of trying to find a buyer, donating to a charity is always a great option, especially for old computer monitors and TVs.

Of course, you may want to consider selling your E-Waste articles if you can find a buyer. That typically means going online with sites like Craigslist or eBay. In some cases they can even be sold to vendors that specialize in reselling them. You may still have to go online to find a dealer that refurbishes and resells items. This is a common approach for older cell phones, especially for brands and models that are still in demand on the secondary market.

Ultimately, if you cannot sell them, donate them or even simply give them away, your unwanted E-Waste items can be recycled. Really, the last resort is to dispose of electronics in your household trash. In fact, in many locations this is even illegal because of the presence of highly toxic materials in most electronic devices.

(back to top)

Electronics Disposal and Your Data

When it comes time to consider smartphone and computer disposal options, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your data. You’ll find no shortage of companies offering to recycle your old phone or laptop for free, and even some who will pay you for your old devices.

It can be tempting to offset the cost of a new purchase by turning a profit from the old one. However, it’s crucial that you take all possible precautions to remove your personally identifying information and sensitive documents from your devices before they leave your hands.

Electronic recycling is not cheap. If a company is operating a free or payment-based e-waste recycling program, you should take steps to find out how they turn a profit. To make money in their business, someone needs to be paying them--this is their customer, and it’s where their loyalties lie. If you are receiving the service for free or are receiving a payment for your items, you should ask yourself: is it possible that there's something more valuable than just my device in this transaction? It’s possible that the real product is your data.

E-Waste and hazardous materials

Old computer monitors, the ones consisting of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) similar to those previously used in televisions, contain most of the same toxins. These include lead in the glass body of the tube.Typical CRT TVs or monitors each contain roughly four to eight pounds of lead in the glass tube. In addition, the inside of the tubes get coated with toxic phosphor dust.

Older flat screen TVs and computer monitors can contain toxic materials, as well. Old LCD flat-screen TVs and monitors that were manufactured before 2009 were backlighted with cold cathode fluorescent lamps or CCFLs. These lamps contain significant amounts of mercury, making them hazardous to dispose of or incinerate.

Then there are the phones, tablets and mp3 devices.

According to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition website:

“Electronic waste (E-Waste) encompasses a wide range of discarded electronic devices such as computers, mp3 players, televisions and cell phones. Just one computer can contain hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, respiratory illness and reproductive problems. These chemicals are especially dangerous because of their ability to migrate into the soil, water, and air and accumulate in our bodies and the environment.”

And if that’s not enough to keep you up at night staring at your electronic devices, there can also be a number of other materials depending on the type of device including:

• Hexavalent chromium
• Sulphur
• Lead
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Beryllium oxide

Another growing concern is with the plastic casings and frames found in almost every electronic device. The vast majority of these materials are made of black plastics, which is a highly sought after material for numerous plastic products in addition to electronics. In fact, there is a rising demand for black plastic sources because it is typically not recyclable.

A More Conscious Approach to Consumption

According to a recent study, inefficient black plastic recycling practices can lead to contaminants such as lead, antimony, and bromine ending up in consumer goods that come into contact with food as well as in clothing and toys.

The bottom line is that electronics are inherently safe when being used by consumers. However, once it becomes necessary to dispose of these products, there are a number of potential hazards that stem from the variety of toxic materials that make up many of the components in the devices.

The study goes on to explain that there is a need for long-term innovation in the recycling industry, and that regulation loopholes will need to be closed to ensure the health of both the environment and those who inhabit it--including humans.

For consumers, this marks a need to be ever more conscientious about how we are disposing of our electronics. Not only should we be fastidious about recycling our e-waste in accordance with state, local, and federal laws, but we also need to see our responsibility extending beyond the curb.

Recycling alone cannot solve the e-waste crisis that has been making headlines in recent years. Since 2017 when China banned imports on some scrap materials, some municipalities have halted their recycling programs. Having nowhere else to send their recyclable materials, these items now pile up in municipal landfills or await processing at local centers that are overwhelmed by the increased burden.

Changes to our behaviors will be necessary to curb this crisis, and this extends to small and large purchases. This may also require that we think about our possessions differently, especially when they are items to which we attach prestige. Smartphones, for example, can last us upwards of three years but are typically replaced after only 18-24 months. To make the biggest impact on the environment, we need to prioritize eco-friendly consumption and give it the same moral weight as we do recycling.

(back to top)

Large E-Waste Disposal

Typically when people think of E-Waste they envision cell phones, batteries, mp3 players and the like. But that’s just the small stuff. The fact is that a great deal of E-Waste comes in large sizes! Generally speaking, you could say that any electronic device larger than a laptop could be labeled as a large E-Waste item.

According to information from UCSC,

“Examples of electronic waste include, but are not limited to: TVs, computer monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, cables, circuit boards, lamps, clocks, flashlights, calculators, phones, answering machines, digital/video cameras, radios, VCRs, DVD players, MP3 and CD players.”

Many of these items are relatively large like the televisions and computer monitors, and the printers, scanners and copiers. The challenge with these types of electronics is their sheer size or bulk. And, according to the folks at CalRecycle, even the term “E-Waste” is still not clearly defined,

“The term "E-Waste" is loosely applied to consumer and business electronic equipment that is near or at the end of its useful life. There is no clear definition for E-Waste; for instance whether or not items like microwave ovens and other similar "appliances" should be grouped into the category has not been established.”

Just as we do for televisions, we have a page dedicated to appliance removal and disposal. However, many smaller appliances could be considered large E-Waste items, as well. For example, microwaves, breadmakers, coffeemakers, robotic vacuum devices, among other things could fall into the category of “large E-Waste”.

This can be a particular concern for businesses and other organizations that need to dispose of office equipment. Since the advent of the Internet and dedicated networks within workplaces, the vast majority of office machines have become high tech versions of their old selves. Almost all commercial equipment has computerized capabilities. This means electronics, which typically means circuit boards and components made with toxic metals and other materials.

What these devices all have in common is electronics, circuit boards and other hi-tech components that are also found in phones, portable devices and similar items. Which means they likely contain toxic materials such as mercury, cadmium and beryllium.

Although not every E-Waste item is completely recyclable, large amounts of the materials can be recovered, reused or at least efficiently disposed of. Recycling, repurposing or reusing E-Waste items is always preferable to simply taking them to the local landfill.

CalRecycle recommends following the practice of “reduce, reuse, recycle” when it comes to large electronics and large E-Waste disposal:

• Reduce your generation of E-Waste through smart procurement and good maintenance.
• Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who can use it.
• Recycle those products that cannot be repaired.

(back to top)

Cost of E-Waste removal

Certain E-Waste items are subject to government mandated disposal fees. In California, for example, a fee is required for disposal of televisions and computer monitors. The amount of any fees charged for E-Waste disposal varies from state to state.

Not every state offers a statewide E-Waste disposal program. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures:

• 25 states and the District of Columbia have enacted legislation establishing a statewide electronic waste, or E-Waste, recycling program.
• Legislation typically follows two basic models for E-Waste disposal. Under the extended producer responsibility model, used in 24 states, the manufacturer takes responsibility by paying to collect and recycle the products covered under law, with the products covered varying widely from state to state.
• Under the second type of program, known as the advanced recycling fee model, consumers pay retailers a $6 to $10 fee at the time of purchase which is deposited into a statewide recycling fund. California adopted this method in 2003—and was the first state to establish an E-Waste recycling program.
• Colorado enacted legislation prohibiting the disposal of electronic devices at solid waste landfills throughout the state.

At Junk King, we provide a convenient price estimator based on your location and the approximate size and number of your E-Waste items. The pricing estimator provides an online estimate and the final price will be determined onsite by our staff.

(back to top)

How to choose an E-Waste disposal company

There are many firms today that offer E-Waste disposal services. However, before you hand over your money to the first company that comes up on a Google search, it pays to do some research.

So what are the criteria for choosing an E-Waste disposal company? Here are some points you should consider before making a decision:

Provides excellent customer service

Have you heard of them from anyone else and, if so, was the experience a good one? Today there are numbers of sites and tools that offer online reviews and customer testimonials. You should always read these and weigh the good against the bad before making a decision. In fact, you should not decide based on reviews only, but this will allow you to narrow down your options based on the reputation of the removal and disposal firms you are considering. Of course, the best case scenario would be to find and hire a junk removal company with a solid reputation and positive “5-star” reviews.

Transparent and fair pricing

While the price is definitely an important aspect to consider, it should not be your only deciding factor. In fact, it is never recommended to choose a junk removal company because they have the cheapest prices. Yes, you shouldn’t pay more than what can be considered fair for your location and for the amount of items you’re getting rid of. But going “cheap” is almost always going to be a mistake. If you find one with great reviews but is a little bit pricier than all the others in your area, make sure you’re getting the most value for your money. A good firm will be transparent and up-front regarding what they will and will not do for you and how, exactly, they arrive at the price you are quoted. And you should always get a quote before anything is picked up. While it may be tempting, never choose a junk removal company based solely on the cheapest rates. In this business it is certainly true that “You get what you pay for.”

Practices eco-friendly processes

Too many companies will simply pick up your E-Waste and dump as much of it as they legally can. Because not enough E-Waste is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner and you don’t want to contribute to our ever-increasing landfills, only hire a company that advertises and promotes ‘green’, eco-friendly processes. There are plenty of junk removal and hauling companies that will properly dispose of waste - including E-Waste - and will endeavor to also recycle as much material as possible. This means you won’t be indirectly contributing to the problem of diminishing landfill space, potential toxic waste seeping into groundwater, and contraband loads of E-Waste being illegally shipped to third-world nations.

Projects professionalism

When hiring a company for any kind of junk removal and hauling, you should always check their history and judge their professionalism. This goes beyond a nice website and clean trucks, although those items certainly count!

But is the company bonded and insured? Are their employees clean, uniformed and courteous? Do they promise to call prior to arriving on site? Are they known for being fast, efficient and prompt? Are they using proper equipment? Are they easy to contact and work with?

This may seem like a lot of questions, but before you spend your money with a firm it pays to know that you are dealing with professionals and not a “fly-by-night” outfit with an old truck. By considering all of these factors before making a decision you will be able to settle on a company with solid experience and a professional approach to their business.

Offers flexibility

No matter how small or large your hauling and disposal need is, you only want to work with a junk removal and hauling company that has the capability and willingness to be flexible to your needs, not theirs. A good firm will have the staff and resources available for most any size job, and provide other options such as rental boxes like the Junk King Mini-Dumpster.

For projects that might take more than one trip on one day, you want to work with a company that has the capacity to offer you whatever length of time you need for your hauling project. That way, you can also be assured that if something unforeseen arises, they’ll be able to work with you.

To ensure that you get the most out of your money, make sure the junk removal company you hire can provide other types of junk hauling, as well. While you may only need an E-Waste disposal service initially, it’s good to know that if you decide to get rid of other items, too, that the company has the ability and resources to handle it.

(back to top)

E-Waste Disposal FAQs

What typed E-Waste to you take?

We remove almost all types of E-Waste, including:

• Computers
• Monitors
• Printers
• Copy Machines
• Shredders
• Televisions

Can I take my E-Waste to a landfill?

There’s a 50/50 chance that you can’t. Currently, 25 states have enacted legislation requiring E-Waste recycling, which means no dumping of E-Waste in those locations. In April 2000, Massachusetts was the first state to make it illegal to dispose of CRTs in landfills. In 2003, California became the first state to govern other forms of E-Waste with a broader waste ban and “advance recovery fee funding.” Under the law, electronic waste in California may not be landfilled or exported overseas.

Do you take large E-Waste items?

Yes we do and yes we can! Over the years we have hauled and removed large items from a variety of locations and even hard to reach areas. We have teams of professionals with the know-how to haul large items safely and efficiently. For your expert electronics recycling service, call Junk King today.

Will my E-Waste be recycled?

At Junk King we make it our mission to see to it that your old electronics and E-Waste items end up in the right place. If possible, this could be a charity if the electronics are still functioning and useable. Otherwise, we work with local recycling facilities to ensure your E-Waste items are always dismantled, reused, and disposed of in an eco-friendly way.

(back to top)

E-Waste Disposal Services

Long gone are the days when you could simply take your old electronic appliances, televisions, and mobile phones and devices and just put them in the garbage can or dumpster. In fact, in most places today this approach isn't even legal.

But there’s good news for your E-Waste disposal needs.

Junk King provides an efficient, safe and eco-friendly E-Waste disposal service so you don’t need to worry about the pick up or disposal of your old electronics. Our experienced E-Waste removal team will carefully remove and haul off any type of old electronics you need to get rid of.

Ready to get rid of your E-Waste junk? It really is as simple as 1, 2, 3. You simply make an appointment by booking online above or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865). Our professional and insured E-Waste removal team will show up at your home or office. We will call 15 minutes before we arrive on site and, once there, we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your junk takes up in our truck.

You point and we haul those items into our junk removal trucks, with no hidden fees.

(back to top)