Electronic Waste: A Growing Environmental Threat
Every year, 62 million tonnes of electronics enter the waste stream—78% improperly disposed of. The toxic chemicals inside contaminate our soil, water, and air for generations.
Dangerous Toxins in Electronic Devices
When electronics are improperly discarded through conventional waste streams, these hazardous materials leach into ecosystems. EPA regulations classify many electronic components as hazardous waste requiring specialized ITAD services and certified material recovery processes.
Lead
CriticalFound in: Circuit boards, CRT monitors, solder, batteries
Mercury
High RiskFound in: Batteries, LCD screens, switches
Cadmium
High RiskFound in: Rechargeable batteries, semiconductors, chips
Beryllium
ModerateFound in: Motherboards, electrical contacts
Arsenic
ToxicFound in: Semiconductors, LED displays
Antimony
ToxicFound in: Flame retardants, diodes, batteries
The True Cost of E-Waste Pollution
Electronic waste represents the fastest-growing waste stream on Earth, with devastating consequences for environmental health and public safety. NIST 800-88 guidelines mandate proper media sanitization to prevent data breaches alongside environmental contamination.
Environmental Devastation
Public Health Crisis
Economic Waste
STS Electronic Recycling Prevents Environmental Disasters
Operating from a 600,000 sq ft R2v3 and NAID AAA certified facility across the Midwest and Southeast, we provide complimentary business pickup and EPA-compliant processing that keeps toxic materials out of landfills and protects communities from environmental contamination.
Schedule Free Pickup →R2 Certified Processing
- EPA-compliant handling
- Secure data destruction
- Zero landfill policy
- Full audit trail
Safe Material Recovery
- Proper toxin extraction
- Valuable materials recovered
- Professional demanufacturing
- Certified recycling partners
Complete Compliance
- NIST 800-88 standards
- HIPAA-compliant disposal
- State & federal regulations
- Certificates of recycling
Community Protection
- Prevents local contamination
- Protects groundwater
- Reduces carbon footprint
- Creates green jobs
E-Waste Recycling FAQs
Learn more about electronic waste dangers and how proper recycling protects your community
E-waste contains over 1,000 hazardous substances including heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) and persistent organic pollutants that don't break down naturally. When landfilled improperly, these toxins leach into soil and groundwater, contaminating ecosystems for generations.
STS maintains a strict zero-landfill policy with R2 certification. We use EPA-compliant processes to safely extract all hazardous materials. Every item is tracked through our certified recycling chain with complete documentation.
STS holds R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification—the industry's highest standard. We also maintain EPA compliance for hazardous materials, NIST 800-88 certification for data destruction, and HIPAA-compliant disposal processes.
Yes! We accept electronics from businesses of all sizes with no minimum quantity. Whether you have a single computer or an entire data center, we provide the same certified, professional service.
Toxic materials are handled per EPA guidelines and sent only to certified processors. Heavy metals are extracted and routed to specialized containment facilities. Nothing goes to landfills.
Proper e-waste recycling prevents soil, water, and air contamination while recovering valuable materials. For every million tonnes recycled, we avoid 900 million tonnes of mining and prevent 98 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Ready to Protect Your Community?
Partner with STS Electronic Recycling for certified, compliant e-waste disposal
