Free e-waste events planned across eastern Idaho eCyclers of Idaho, in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho State University, will host a free e-waste collection and recycling events this year. 

Organizers say the goal is simple: keep harmful electronic waste out of landfills while giving residents an easy way to safely dispose of outdated devices.

 
What can be recycled
The event will accept most small electronics, whether they work or not, including:

Computers, monitors and TVs
Cellphones, tablets and gaming devices
Printers, scanners and fax machines
Batteries and electronic cigarettes
Routers, modems and other networking equipment
If it plugs in or runs on batteries, it can likely be dropped off.

Items not accepted include light bulbs and large appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and treadmills.

 
Why it matters
Beyond clearing clutter, recycling electronics can help protect both personal information and the environment.
Organizers say eCyclers of Idaho is the only business in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming certified to securely remove and destroy data from devices, helping prevent identity theft.

Proper recycling also keeps hazardous materials like mercury, lead and cadmium out of groundwater and allows valuable materials such as gold, silver and lithium to be reused in new products.

More events scheduled
May 30: Madison Transfer Station, Rexburg (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
June 20: Fort Hall Transfer Station (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
July 18: College of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Aug. 29: Ammon City Hall (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Sept. 26: Madison Transfer Station, Rexburg (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Electronics that aren’t accepted at the events — excluding light bulbs — can be dropped off year-round at eCyclers’ Idaho Falls warehouse, 1976 N. Yellowstone Highway, which offers 24-hour drop-off bins, including a secure option for devices containing personal data.

Organizers say more collection locations may be announced later this year. For more information go to