Electronics in Austin Landfills

There is a growing problem in central Texas, and the US in general, being caused by the rapid pace of technological innovation. As computers, TVs and cellphones become obsolete more quickly the build of electronics in landfills is becoming a problem. These electronics are full of heavy metals and chemicals that leach into the soil and eventually make it into our water supply.

The Texas government is taking steps to limit the amount of electronic waste that winds up in our landfills by requiring computer manufactures to provide free recycling for old computers in Texas. However, they have not addressed the TV or cellphone issue yet. This is particularly worrisome in light of the recent digital TV switch which is going to make a large number of old TVs stop working. Without easy recycling these will all end up in our local landfill where they will pollute our soil and ground water.

Here in Austin we have several options for disposing of our old electronics. Perhaps the easiest is to take them to your local Goodwill drop off point. Goodwill will take them and repair, re-sell or recycle them depending on their condition. You can also take them to an Ecology Action drop off point downtown or a city run recycling center in South Austin. So make the extra effort next time you have electronics to get rid of and do it responsibly. Help us protect our land and drinking water.