Tech sustainability took a step forward this week as the city of Quincy hosted an e-waste recycling event on Thursday, August 17, 2026, aimed at reducing electronic waste and promoting responsible disposal practices.
Last reviewed by Samantha Holloway on 01 August 2026
What Happened at This Event?
The event in Quincy facilitated the collection and proper disposal of outdated technology. Participants brought in everything from old cell phones to computers and televisions for secure recycling. Such initiatives are important as global e-waste is expected to reach 62 million tonnes per year by 2024, with only 22.3% being formally recycled worldwide.
According to the BankMyCell 2024, iPhones retain trade-in value better than Android phones, losing ~40% in year 1 vs ~55%.
Why Does This Matter?
This matter resonates because Quincy's event aligns with broader tech sustainability efforts globally. By providing a local venue for proper disposal of e-waste, the city helps to combat environmental issues associated with improper dumping and landfilling of electronics. In the United States alone, over 6 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated annually.
How Does This Affect Electronics Recycling?
The Quincy event offers a model for community-led recycling programs that can encourage similar initiatives elsewhere. By focusing on local solutions, cities can help meet national e-waste collection targets and contribute to the overall reduction in harmful environmental impacts. For instance, the EU has set a WEEE collection target of 65% of electronics placed on the market.
What Can Individuals Do Now?
Individuals interested in supporting tech sustainability should look for local recycling events or drop-off centers where they can safely dispose of old electronics. They can also consider repairing and reusing devices to extend their lifespan, thereby reducing waste generation. To find out more about these practices. Visit our guide on [right-to-repair](/guides/right-to-repair-what-it-means) and learn how repairs can keep tech in use longer.
According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.
What Are the Key Challenges?
One of the key challenges is educating communities about the importance of proper e-waste disposal. Many people remain unaware of the environmental impact of discarded electronics, which often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury. Another challenge lies in ensuring that recycling facilities meet stringent safety standards to prevent harm from these substances.
What Are Some Upcoming Opportunities?
Upcoming opportunities include using advancements in urban mining techniques to extract valuable metals from e-waste. For example, one million phones can yield 35kg of gold, 340kg of silver, and 15kg of palladium-resources that are increasingly critical for manufacturing new devices. By focusing on these recovery methods, tech sustainability efforts can both reduce waste and provide a sustainable source of raw materials.
How Can Businesses Get Involved?
Businesses play a key role by implementing internal recycling programs and encouraging employees to recycle their personal devices responsibly. Companies can also explore partnerships with local recyclers to facilitate larger-scale collection events or ongoing drop-off services. For more information on how businesses can contribute, check out our guide on [circular economy](/guides/circular-economy-and-electronics).
According to the BankMyCell depreciation tracker, The average smartphone loses 35-45% of its trade-in value within the first year.
Conclusion
Events like Quincy's e-waste recycling event highlight the growing importance of tech sustainability and responsible disposal practices worldwide. By participating in such initiatives or seeking local alternatives, individuals and communities can significantly reduce their environmental impact while supporting global efforts to manage electronic waste responsibly.
For more resources on how you can make a difference, visit our guides on right-to-repair, circular economy, and urban mining.
Sources
- BankMyCell 2024
- Royal Society of Chemistry
- BankMyCell depreciation tracker
