Recycling old laptops, iPhones and earbuds is more accessible than it seems.

Only about 22% of global electronic waste was properly recycled in 2022, and U.S. recycling rates are below 25% each year.

Many households keep old laptops, phones, earbuds and other devices in drawers or closets. The amount of electronic waste worldwide has grown rapidly in recent years. The United Nations estimated 137 billion pounds (62 million metric tons) of e-waste in 2022, with about 22% properly recycled. U.S. recycling rates are also below 25% annually. Key points: - The world produced an estimated 137 billion pounds (62 million metric tons) of e-waste in 2022, and about 22% of that was properly recycled. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates less than a quarter of e-waste is recycled in the United States each year. - Electronics contain recoverable materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, gold, silver, plastics and glass. - Devices can also contain hazardous substances including mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium and arsenic, which can harm the environment if released. - Recycling electronics is technically complex, energy-intensive and often costly because devices vary widely in size and material composition. - Some experts note that increased recycling may recover valuable materials and affect the economics of electronics production. Summary: Recycling can reduce the release of toxic materials into the environment and recover metals and plastics for reuse. Undetermined at this time.