Where do I recycle electronics in Anchorage?

First, why can’t you just throw them in the dumpster?

Living in Anchorage, it takes very little effort to throw something in the trash bin. It takes a little more effort to recycle electronics, so why make the effort? Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing wastestream in the world, and while it only accounts for about 2-5% of our trash, it’s responsible for 70% of the toxic material in our wastestream. Electronics contain dangerous chemicals that can cause health problems for humans, plants, soil, wildlife, and microbial species. When we landfill, dump, or burn electronics, those chemicals pollute soil, leach into groundwater, and cause air pollution.

When we throw electronics out rather than recycling them, we also lose the valuable minerals that are in them. In 2022, people threw out 62 million metric tons of electronics, and the metal in those electronics is worth $91 billion. When we have to mine the earth for those metals to make replacement products or new products, it destroys ecosystems, pollutes waterways, and generates greenhouse gas pollution. 

What do I do with my electronics that aren’t actually at the end of their life? 

If you think your device might have more life in it either with another owner or with a little tinkering, recycling your old electronic item might not be the best option. 

Repairman disassembling smartphone with screwdriver for repair.Photo by Prostock Studio | Shutterstock.com

The Problem with Electronics Recycling

While recycling electronics is the most sustainable approach to disposing of electronics that are truly kaput, it is a difficult and inefficient process. In 2022, only 22.3% of electronics were both collected for recycling and then successfully recycled in an environmentally sound manner. To put a finer point on it, we have a collection problem, but doing our share through proper collection is only part of the problem. Electronics are really challenging to recycle. The valuable minerals are often encased in plastics with fire retardant properties. This is by design- we can’t have devices catching fire when they heat up, but how do you then efficiently separate out the components when it’s time? The answer is that it’s not always possible, at least while keeping workers safe, the air clean, and the economics viable. 

Some portion of our electronic waste ends up abroad in communities with fewer environmental regulations. In 2016, the Basel Action Network traced trackers attached to electronic waste from a couple facilities in the Pacific Northwest. They saw trackers end up in Mexico, Taiwan, China, Pakistan, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Canada, Kenya, and rural Hong Kong. In at least some of these places, looser environmental regulations or enforcement allows for dismantling of devices in a manner that exposes both people and the environment to toxic material. 

So, recycling is the last option, what comes before that?

Sell or giveaway:

If your device is no longer helpful to you, but could be enjoyed or used by someone else in its current state, the most sustainable option is to get it into their hands. That could mean selling it or giving it away. For selling- BackMarket, Facebook Marketplace, used electronics stores, or even pawn shops are an option. Backmarket and some used electronics might also take devices that need a few repairs or servicing (refurbishing) before it’s suitable for use. For giving away- the more direct the better. A lot of electronics given to thrift stores don’t actually make it into new hands. Donating to the Arc of Anchorage (confirm they accept the item), gifting directly to someone you know, or posting the item on a neighborhood Buy Nothing page are options. 

Fix:

If a device is still useful to you if it was working, consider fixing it rather than replacing it. Cracked screens, weak batteries, clogged charging ports and many other repairs are possible and can extend the lifespan of devices. To fix devices, you can try tinkering yourself using iFixit guides, patronize a local repair shop, or have the original manufacturer work on your device. Unfortunately, original manufacturers sometimes withhold spare parts, tools, or schematics necessary for repair, so that you’ll have to go to them. Ask the legislature to pass a Right to Repair bill to demonopolize repair and give consumers more choice and more affordable ways to use electronics in a sustainable way.

Buy Better: 

Electronic waste really starts with what we buy in the first place. When shopping for your replacement, it’s worth considering:

• Can you buy a refurbished or used version? Check out our guide.
• Can you choose a version with a reputation for durability? Is it designed to last?
• How repairable are the different options?
• Do you need your own or could you rent it or share with a neighbor or friend?
• Do you really need it?