Refrigerants are thousands times more potent greenhouse gases than CO2. When properly recovered, they can be reused or destroyed instead of released. E-waste recycling results in lower emissions due to reduced mining of raw materials and processing. E-waste and hazardous waste are pollutants if trashed.
These items contain refrigerants (pressurized CFCs) such as Freon that are harmful to the climate and are required under the Clean Air Act of 1980 to be disposed of properly. Venting of CFCs or HCFCs into the air is unlawful. The EPA requires that only certified technicians recover the CFCs. There are several options for disposal. Some pay for your item but most some require a fee for disposal.
Delaware county holds 4 hazardous waste events each year (appointments required). This program is open to residents of Delaware County and is NOT OPEN to businesses, institutions, or industry. CFL bulbs can be recycled at Lowes and Home Depot. Latex paint can be disposed of in trash after dry or solidified.
There are everyday free options for disposal of easy to recycle electronic waste, occasional free options for harder to recycle items (TVs, microwaves, etc.), and doorstep pay for pickup options.
All waste on this page is considered hazardous waste in the widest context - if released into the environment without proper disposal, they can cause harm to people and the environment. However, not all hazardous waste is accepted at community disposal events . See the lists below for what is and is not accepted.
Accepted items:
Paint Products:
Outdoor Products:
Automotive Products:
Household Products
Household Other
Delaware County does NOT accept the following at hazardous waste events:
The definition of e-waste is likely to keep expanding as more and more household items become "connected" and technological advances continue. Below is some compiled information including segments from https://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Electronics/WhatIsEwaste/.
Examples of "e-waste"
The term "e-waste" is loosely applied to consumer and business electronic equipment that is near or at the end of its useful life. Almost anything with a cord and battery powered equipment, including vacuums, electronic toys, LED lights, anything with an LED light, computers, phones, printers, cables and wiring, chargers, paper shredders, TVs, monitors, etc.
Is "e-waste" considered hazardous?
"Electronics contain materials like copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe), and when burned these metals accumulate in the air. Harmful chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are the principal toxins released when electronics are burned. PBDEs are used as flame retardants in electronics, and during combustion release carbon dioxide (CO2). Collectively, these various chemicals – when burned for disposal – cause harm both to humans and the environment." https://climate.org/e-waste-and-how-to-reduce-it/
Why can't I just trow my old electronics in the trash?
Many types of e-waste contain harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and other toxic components. It’s vital that e-waste be properly recycled in order to prevent these harmful materials from contaminating our air, water, and land. https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/RecyclingDisposal/Electronics/Pages/default.aspx
What should I do with my electronic discards?
The mantra of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" applies here.
Modern fan disassembled. Circuit board is electronic waste. Motor, wires, and metal pieces are scrap metal. The plastic pieces are trash, and the cardboard is recycling
The pictured bin is located outside the Haverford Township Municipal Building at 1014 Darby Rd and the Community Recreational and Environmental Center (CREC) at 9000 Parkview Drive.
They are available 24/7.
Only small electronics that fit in the chute are accepted. No monitors and no TVs. No items should be left outside of the bin for this free service to continue.
This bi- annual event, usually held in the spring and fall, is limited to Haverford Township residents and usually requires per-registration. Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, microwaves, computer monitors, and even TV’s (no console or large projection models) are usually accepted at this event. Link is for the Township page. Search for E-waste announcement and registration link.
Large appliances, including all TVs, can be scheduled to be picked up curbside for a charge per item. The minimum charge is $18 with large projection big-screen TV's, console TV's or older model tubular TV's greater than 27" counting as two items or $36.00. The electronics are properly disposed of as electronic waste. You can schedule and pay for your pickup online. Haverford Township Citizen Reporter: https://hav.maps.arcgis.com/apps/CrowdsourceReporter/index.html?appid=58f87287800744e3909e70f0827667b2
Green Drop accepts the following in good working order Flat screen TV's 40" or smaller, computer items including towers, printers, flat screen monitors, hard drives, software and accessories, telephones, smart phones, answering machines, portable copiers, fax machines, calculators, stereos, DVD players, video cameras and equipment and radios. Broomall Home Depot parking lot drop-off location 700 Reed, Broomall, PA 19008
Delaware County has been hosting 2 E-waste events per year (Spring and Fall). Usually, 1 TV is accepted per registration (1 registration/person). Fees apply for additional TVs. For a list of accepted items and to find an upcoming event click on the link below. It takes you to the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) who is a co-sponsor.
Staples recycles certain small electronics for free (no TVs). Learn which ones are accepted at their website
Best Buy recycles certain electronics and appliances for free including vacuums (no TVs in PA). Check out their website for accepted and unaccepted items.
Doorstep pickup In Haverford Township can be scheduled for $10 Retrievr for some electronics AND textiles (to be reused or to recycle).
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month 12:00 PM to 3:00PM (weather permitting), no registration required, verified ongoing program (4/23)
Free drop off Free Recycling of: TVs (limit of five), computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, scanners, VCR/DVD players, phones, gaming systems, stereos, keyboards, mice, cables and other household electronics
Not accepted: Batteries, ballasts, bulbs, appliances, air conditioners and other refrigerant-containing devices, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, hazardous waste.
Covanta 58th Street Transfer Station
2209 South 58th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Hard to recycle items such as TVs, dehumidifiers, and window air conditioners as well as LED light bulbs can be recycled by dropping off items at 2024 W. Hunting Park Ave. Philadelphia
Tues. - Friday 9am-1pm
Fees apply for TVs, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners, etc.
Keywords "e-waste" and "electronic waste" on Eventbrite
This bi-annual event, usually held in the spring and fall, is limited to Haverford Township residents and usually requires per-registration. Room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, microwaves, computer monitors, and even TV’s (no console or large projection models) are usually accepted at this event. Link is for the Township page. Search for E-waste announcement and registration link.
All refrigerant containing items, refrigerators, room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, freezers, and water coolers can be picked up for $22/item. The refrigerants are properly recaptured and the metal recycled. You can schedule and pay for your pickup online.
Hard to recycle items such as TVs, dehumidifiers, and window air conditioners as well as LED light bulbs can be recycled by dropping off items at 2024 W. Hunting Park Ave. Philadelphia
Tues. - Friday 9am-1pm
Fees apply for TVs, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners, etc.
Local companies are listed that will remove Freon and dispose of your appliance for a fee (some exceptions are free).
Good news
New refrigerants are being phased in that have much lower global warming potential.
Alternative refrigerants: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/choosing-new-system
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