Quick Answer
E-waste -- short for electronic waste -- refers to any discarded electronic device, from smartphones and laptops to televisions and kitchen appliances with circuit boards. Oregon law bans most electronics from landfills and provides free recycling through the Oregon E-Cycles program. E-waste contains both valuable recoverable materials (gold, copper, rare earth metals) and toxic substances (lead, mercury, cadmium) that require proper handling.
What Counts as E-Waste
E-waste is broader than most people realize. It includes any device that runs on electricity or batteries:
Common Household E-Waste
Computers and laptops: Desktops, laptops, tablets, and their peripherals
Mobile devices: Smartphones, cell phones, smartwatches, GPS units
Televisions: All types -- CRT, LCD, LED, plasma, and projection
Printers and scanners: Including ink and toner cartridges
Audio and video equipment: Stereos, speakers, DVD players, gaming consoles
Small appliances: Coffee makers, toasters, blenders, microwaves
Less Obvious E-Waste
LED and CFL light bulbs: Contain electronic components and sometimes mercury
Electric tools: Drills, saws, and other powered tools
Smoke detectors: Contain electronic sensors
Thermostats: Especially older mercury-containing models
Cables and chargers: Contain copper and other recoverable metals
For a deeper look at electronics disposal, see how to recycle electronics.
Why E-Waste Matters
Toxic Materials
Electronics contain hazardous substances that contaminate soil and groundwater when landfilled:
Lead: Found in older CRT monitors and solder on circuit boards
Mercury: Used in LCD backlights and switches
Cadmium: Found in rechargeable batteries -- a known carcinogen
Brominated flame retardants: Used in plastic casings -- persistent environmental pollutants
Valuable Resources
Electronics also contain materials worth recovering:
Gold: Used in circuit board connectors -- one ton of circuit boards contains more gold than one ton of gold ore
Copper: Found in wiring and circuit boards
Rare earth elements: Used in screens, speakers, and motors
Aluminum and steel: Used in device housings and frames
Oregon E-Waste Regulations
Oregon was one of the first states to address e-waste with comprehensive legislation:
Oregon E-Cycles: Launched in 2010, this program requires electronics manufacturers to fund free recycling for Oregon residents.
Landfill ban: Oregon's E-Cycles law (ORS 459A.305) bans covered electronic devices from landfills and incinerators.
Manufacturer responsibility: Electronics manufacturers must participate in and fund the E-Cycles program based on their market share.
Free drop-off: Oregon residents can drop off covered electronics at designated collection sites at no charge.
Disposal Options in Oregon
Oregon E-Cycles drop-off sites: Free for covered devices. Locations in Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and most Oregon cities.
Retailer take-back: Best Buy, Staples, and other retailers accept electronics for recycling.
Metro transfer stations: Portland Metro facilities accept electronics during regular hours.
Junk removal services: see electronics recycling, and ask where the e-waste goes.
Manufacturer programs: Apple, Dell, HP, and Samsung offer mail-back recycling for their products.
Data Security Before Disposal
Before recycling any electronic device, protect your personal information:
Smartphones and tablets: Perform a factory reset after backing up data. Remove SIM and SD cards.
Computers: Use a data wiping tool that overwrites the hard drive, or physically remove and destroy the drive.
Printers: Clear internal memory. Many modern printers store copies of recent print jobs.
External drives: Format and overwrite, or physically destroy if containing sensitive data.
Certified e-waste recyclers in Oregon follow data destruction protocols, but wiping your devices before drop-off adds an extra layer of protection.
Reducing Your E-Waste
Extend device life: Repair rather than replace when possible. Oregon has a growing network of electronics repair shops in Portland, Eugene, and Salem.
Buy refurbished: Purchasing refurbished electronics keeps devices in use longer.
Choose repairable products: Look for devices with replaceable batteries and available repair parts.
Consolidate devices: Do you really need a separate tablet, e-reader, and laptop?
When you do need to dispose of electronics, Otesse makes it easy. Enter your ZIP in the price box to see which services are available at your address. Ask whether each item goes to a certified recycler. Get a free quote.
