MI ENVIRONMENT Proper disposal of old TVs, computers, and holiday lights after the holidays is easier than ever Date: December 17, 2020 Many times, that means getting rid of old electronic products that contain hazardous substances. Proper disposal of electronic waste — or e-waste — keeps products out of landfills and provides a great opportunity for reuse, says Steve Noble, EGLE's electronics recycling specialist. That's important because electronics are made up of materials that can be toxic if released into the environment leaded glass, mercury switches, mercury bulbs, brominated flame-retardant plastics, and electronic circuitry made of cadmium, chromium, and lead. "In the United States, 9.4 million tons of waste electronics are generated each year," Noble said. "A little less than 13 percent of that actually gets recycled. A much larger amount is simply in storage in drawers, basements and garages waiting to be recycled because people don't know where to recycle it.