Symmetric Media Video Production

Being a small media production company, we go through our fair share of bad DVDs and spent ink cartridges. But they never find their way to the trash can. Most e-waste (electronic waste) contains toxic elements and is not biodegradable. So how can you responsibly dispose of it?

These days most e-waste can either be donated and reused, or broken down and recycled. That old VCR and those piles of VHS tapes don't have to end up in a landfill. All you need to do is find the right local drop-off locations. Most are free, but some may charge a small fee for recycling certain difficult-to-recycle items.

The EPA has a comprehensive resource page to help you find the right place to dispose your items. You can find donation programs, recycling programs, and even manufacturer assets recovery programs.

An alternative to drop-off locations, GreenDisk sells prepaid Technotrash Cans which include all shipping and processing costs. Stuff them with your 'technotrash' and send it back to GreenDisk from any post office. The small can holds a max weight of 35 lbs., and the larger one holds 70 lbs. They also offer custom solutions for larger batches. Click here for details on what items they accept.

In the Bay Area, we take our e-waste to greencitizen. They are open 7 days a week and even have pick-up services for businesses. Check out their blog. We have also donated old computers and printers to local schools via various programs.