Frequently Asked Questions
- What is e-Waste?
e-Waste is a popular informal term for consumer and business electronic equipment that has reached the end of its useful life. Researchers estimated nearly 75% of e-Waste is in storage. We are providing an opportunity for free, safe and environmentally friendly disposal and recycling.
- Do I have to pay to properly recycle my old equipment?
No. The recycling event is free to all participants.
- Who can participate?
Individuals can bring their personal electronics to the Pioneer High School parking lot (Main Street entrance) on Saturday, May, 10, from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Any business or non-profit organization can drop-off their electronics to the Washtenaw Intermediate School District—District Office, 1819 South Wagner Road, on Thursday, May 8, or Friday, May 9, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Please complete the institutional drop-off form to help us better accommodate resources.
- Is there a limit to the number of items I can bring to the recycling event?
No. There is no limit to the number of items you can bring to the event.
- What happens to my equipment?
All equipment is destroyed and recycled in an environmentally sound manner by a fully permitted recycling facility. Equipment is manually and mechanically disassembled, shredded in to small pieces of metals, plastics and glass and separated into reusable commodity streams used to manufacture new materials.
- I am concerned about my data. Is it safe?
All storage devices are completely destroyed by means of mechanical shredding. No equipment is reused in any manner. We strongly recommend you back-up and erase all existing data on any equipment; once it has been collected at the event, it will be destroyed and cannot be returned.
- Is my equipment shipped overseas?
No. All equipment is processed in North America by a fully permitted facility (in full compliance with all local, state and federal guidelines/regulations/laws pertaining to the proper and environmentally sound recycling of electronics equipment).
- Can I bring U-M equipment to this event?
No. This is a community event for our neighbors in Washtenaw County. All U-M equipment must go through Property Disposition; items that cannot be reused are responsibly recycled through Occupational Safety & Environmental Health at U-M.
- I'm going to be out of town on May 10. Can I drop off my electronics some other time?
If you are not affiliated with an institution, we can only accept electronics between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on May 10. However, by spreading the word about this event, you may be able to enlist a neighbor or friend to drop off your equipment when they attend.
- I am not an Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County resident. Can I still participate?
Yes! The May 10 event is open to the general public. We encourage you to spread the word to your community.