What to do with electronic "dust bunnies"
For some, electronic devices hold a special place in their hearts because they carry personal history and memories. Whether it's a camera gifted to you, a laptop holding important documents, or your very first phone filled with memorable photos, these items help us remember our past and keep us connected to who we once were.
However, many of us face the problem of having too many electronic devices collecting dust in our households, turning into electronic "dust bunnies" in storage closets. As our world becomes increasingly technology-driven and innovative, electronics are now the fastest-growing type of waste in the United States.
Recycling electronics prevents toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium from entering the environment and gives them a chance to be refurbished or recycled into new products.
To help keep toxic metals out of the trash and give electronics another life, Ramsey County has partnered with Repowered to offer residents free electronics recycling. The program accepts televisions, phones, computers and devices that connect to them such as VCR and DVD players, keyboards and printers. All collected items are then refurbished or recycled into new products.
The recycling process is simple. Any Ramsey County resident with old electronics in their home can drop them off at Repowered for free. Repowered erases private data and breaks down electronics into smaller pieces, sorting by material type and removing hazardous components. Finally, the shredded materials undergo additional processing that includes dust extraction, magnetic separation of metals, water separation of glass and plastic, and purification.
This program is available at Repowered's Saint Paul location. While it is free for Ramsey County residents only, residents from other counties and businesses can still bring their electronics to Repowered for a fee.
Repowered
860 Vandalia Street
Saint Paul, MN 55114
All data from electronics dropped off at the e-waste site will be physically destroyed or electronically wiped. Learn more about electronics recycling in Ramsey County and see the full list of accepted items.