As students and teachers across the country return to their classrooms, the focus is often on new supplies, updated lesson plans, and reuniting with friends. However, there’s another important consideration that should be on everyone's mind: the proper disposal and recycling of electronic waste, or e-waste.

Since there are so many technological products in schools ranging from iPads and laptops to smart boards and scientific calculators, which are used on a daily basis, e-waste production goes through the roof every year. According to the U.S. Census, 54.2 million students are enrolled in elementary, middle, or high schools, with another 23.7 million attending colleges and universities. This heavy reliance on technology, while reducing paper waste, has led to a significant increase in electronic waste. Unfortunately, only 17.4% of e-waste is properly recycled worldwide, and in the U.S., e-waste accounts for 66% of the heavy metals found in landfills.

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Thus, to prevent such negative progression, schools, and districts should incorporate effective e-waste recycling policies. Therefore although some of these measures are not outlined in state law they are important in helping to preserve the environment and inculcate into the students the right methods of discarding waste. There should be laid down procedures for e-recycling in schools, which should be well stated and easily found by any individual at the school including students, teachers, and other staff.

Almost all electronics used in schools are recyclable, including:

• Laptops and desktop computers, White Goods
• Printers, copiers, and fax machines, Stereo and audio equipment
• Smartboards, projectors, and monitors, Network equipment
• Scientific calculators and rechargeable devices, Light bulbs
• Solar panels, Tablets, e-readers, and smartphones

Among the most important strategies that need to be pursued in order to improve recycling in schools is the strategy of communication. Classrooms, hallways and common places should be posted with laminated posters and signs indicating what can be recycled, where such items should be placed and to whom someone should talk to other questions. It will also make students have some sense of ownership and will therefore be more responsible when it comes to handling these materials. 

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Until it’s time for recycling, used electronics need to be stored properly. Items should be kept in EZ on the Earth’s Electronic Recycling Kits. Moreover, any device containing personal information must undergo proper data destruction to protect privacy. A simple factory reset is often insufficient; specialized data destruction services are recommended to ensure compliance with laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Some manufacturers, such as those of Vermont and Maine, provide free or relatively cheap services of e-waste recycling to the school districts. Through these strategies, schools have an actual capability to contribute to the decrease of e-waste and contribute a lot to the preservation of the environment and global future.