“By 2030, we will divert at least 90 percent of the solid waste headed to landfills and incineration from our campuses and datacenters, manufacture 100 percent recyclable Surface devices, use 100 percent recyclable packaging (in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, countries), and achieve, at a minimum, 75 percent diversion of construction and demolition waste for all projects.” – Brad Smith (President and Vice-Chair of Microsoft)

Reduce

• Consider deeply if you really need to purchase a new electronic device. When purchasing, consider buying one that has multiple functions.
• Extend the life of your electronics: invest in protective cases, keep your devices clean and up-to-date, and avoid overcharging batteries.
• Electronics with Energy Star labels or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certifications may be more environmentally-friendly alternatives to consider when purchasing a new device.

Reuse

• Donate used/broken electronic devices to social programs:
  • Tech Dump (locations in Saint Paul and Golden Valley, MN) – “Tech Dump addresses several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty, vocational skills, material footprint, sustainable industry, discrimination, urban waste management, hazardous waste, and climate change.”
  • Minnesota Computers for Schools – provides no- to low-cost computers for schools and educational nonprofits through donation and refurbishing services. Also offers a free technology workforce training program, leading students to careers in entry level IT positions.
  • PCs for People – Free electronics pickup and recycling in Minnesota, Colorado, Missouri, Maryland, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, and surrounding states – Nationwide Shipping Logistics Support.
• Please wipe your technology of any personal information before donating.

Recycle

• Batteries contain toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and lithium that pollute the environment when disposed of improperly. Additionally, the residual charges in batteries can start fires.
• In addition to the technology donation and redistribution social programs listed above, there are several options for recycling electronics:
  • Retrofit Companies – Pickup and recycling for electronics, batteries, chemicals, and other regulated wastes.

Example