What really happens to electronic waste?

While there are many legitimate and environmentally friendly electronics recycling companies available, a recent NPR story shows us that there are also many companies that might not be as honest about what they are doing with your old electronics. More often than not these items are shipped outside the US, moving the toxic waste dump from our shores to developing countries.

While recyclers do make money selling metal scraps, such as gold and liquid solder, it is cheaper to have the hard labor of pulling apart and melting down pieces done outside the country even if that means the useless scraps and other hazardous materials will litter that area. This is why it's important to pick a green recycler that has a long-standing reputation for properly disposing of old electronics.