Recycling is one of simplest and easiest ways that we can help improve our environment. Currently, Illinois has laws that require us all to recycle electronics. This not only allows for rare metals, such as copper and silver, to be harvested, but it also saves energy. Recycling one million laptops saves the amount of electricity used by more than 3,500 US homes in a year.

State Senator Julie Morrison is currently sponsoring House Bill 4227, which would make it much easier for everyone to recycle computers, cell phones and other electronics. The legislation would require the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to post the mailing addresses of electronics recycling collection sites so that people will be able to conveniently find their nearest recycler.

“I hear from people all the time who want to recycle their old cell phones and laptops, but don’t know where to go,” Morrison said. “Having a handy list of all drop-off locations on the EPA’s website would make electronics recycling much easier.”

There are a variety of places that recycle electronics. Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Best Buy, Goodwill, and staples are just a few.

Last year, registered Illinois recyclers reported collecting 64,680,127 pounds of residential electronic waste. Among the top recyclers are Vintage tech with more than 14 million pounds, Com2 Computer and Technologies with more than 11 million pounds, and Best Buy with more than 5 million pounds.