What Really Happens to Your E-Waste?

Every year, millions of phones, laptops, TVs, and gadgets reach the end of their life. Most people know they shouldn't throw electronics in the trash—but very few know what actually happens once their e-waste is dropped off at a certified recycler like SES E-Waste Solutions.

If you've ever wondered where your old devices go, how they're processed, or whether they're truly recycled responsibly, this guide walks you through the entire lifecycle of your e-waste from drop-off to final recovery.

1. Your E-Waste Arrives at Our Facility

The journey begins the moment your device reaches our collection point. Whether you're a homeowner cleaning out a drawer or a business upgrading equipment, every item is logged, sorted, and evaluated.

We separate electronics into categories such as:

Computers and laptops
Phones and tablets
TVs and monitors
Printers and peripherals
Cables, chargers, and accessories
Batteries and specialty items

This first step ensures each device is handled according to state and federal regulations.

2. Data Security Comes First

Before anything is dismantled or recycled, data protection is the top priority.

For devices capable of storing information—computers, phones, hard drives—we perform:

Secure data wiping
Physical destruction (when required)
Documentation for businesses needing compliance records

Your personal or business information never leaves our facility intact.

3. Devices Are Evaluated for Reuse

Not all electronics are truly "dead." Many can be refurbished, repaired, or harvested for working components.

If a device can be reused:

It is tested
Cleaned
Repaired if possible
Given a second life through resale or donation

Reusing electronics is the most environmentally friendly option—it reduces manufacturing demand and keeps devices out of landfills.

4. Non-Reusable Items Are Dismantled

For devices that can't be refurbished, the next step is manual dismantling.

Our technicians break down electronics into their core components:

Plastics
Metals
Circuit boards
Glass
Batteries
Wiring

This process ensures each material stream is separated for proper downstream recycling.

5. Materials Are Sent to Certified Recyclers

Once separated, materials are shipped to specialized processors:

Metals

Copper, aluminum, steel, and precious metals (gold, silver, palladium) are recovered and reused in manufacturing.

Plastics

Sorted plastics are cleaned, shredded, and turned into pellets for new products.

Glass

CRT and flat-panel glass is processed safely to remove hazardous coatings and reused in industrial applications.

Circuit Boards

These are sent to smelters where valuable metals are extracted.

Batteries

Handled under strict safety protocols and sent to facilities that recover lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other materials.

Every downstream partner we use is vetted to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

6. Hazardous Materials Are Neutralized

Electronics often contain substances that must be handled carefully, such as:

Lead
Mercury
Cadmium
Lithium
Flame retardants

These materials are never landfilled. They are processed in controlled environments to prevent environmental contamination.

7. Nothing Goes to Waste

The goal of responsible e-waste recycling is maximum recovery, minimum landfill.

Through careful sorting, dismantling, and processing:

Over 90% of materials can be recycled
Hazardous components are safely neutralized
Valuable metals are returned to the manufacturing supply chain

Your old electronics become the raw materials for tomorrow's technology.

Why Responsible E-Waste Recycling Matters

When e-waste is handled improperly, it can:

Pollute soil and water
Release toxic chemicals
Harm workers in unregulated recycling markets
Waste valuable resources

By choosing a certified recycler like SES E-Waste Solutions, you ensure your electronics are processed safely, ethically, and sustainably.

What Really Happens to Your E-Waste? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Journey of Your Electronics