What is eCycling? Recycling and Conservation Read more from Chapter Environment

ECycling is the reuse and recycling of electronic equipment. Donating used electronic equipment for use by others is the environmentally preferred alternative to discarding used electronics. If an electronic device cannot be reused, it should be recycled. The recycling rate for electronic devices is only 18 percent, with the remaining amount of disposed electronics being discarded in landfills. One of the goals of The Plug-In to eCycling Campaign, a partnership between the EPA and leading consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers, is to increase the recycling rate of electronics to 35 percent. In 2008, the Plug-In to eCycling partners recycled 34,000 tons (30,844 metric tons) of used consumer electronics.