E-Waste and Florida Law: Properly Disposing of Electronics in Central Florida

Lakeland • Polk County • Certified Recyclers • Data Security

Landfill Ban • Lead • Mercury • R2/e-Stewards
2008

Florida's Electronics Recycling Act

4-8

Lbs lead per CRT monitor

85%

Recyclable by weight

1,000+

Fire risks from batteries (US)

Florida's Electronics Recycling Law

⚖️ Florida's Electronics Recycling Act (2008)

Florida law bans certain electronics from landfill disposal due to hazardous components like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Yet confusion about what's covered, where to recycle, and how to protect personal data persists. This guide clarifies Florida's e-waste regulations and provides neutral, practical information for Central Florida residents seeking certified, responsible recycling options.

📌 Covered Devices (Landfill Ban):

🖥️ Computers (desktop, laptop)
🖥️ Computer monitors (CRT, LCD)
📺 Televisions
⌨️ Keyboards, mice
🖨️ Printers, scanners, faxes
📠 DVRs, VCRs, DVD players

Not covered: Small appliances, microwaves, toasters (separate recycling streams).

Why E-Waste Is Hazardous

Lead

Found in: CRT glass, solder joints

Risk: Neurotoxin, bioaccumulative. One CRT = 4-8 lbs lead.

Mercury

Found in: Flat-screen backlights, switches, sensors

Risk: Potent neurotoxin. 1 gram can contaminate 20-acre lake.

Cadmium

Found in: Chip resistors, semiconductors, batteries

Risk: Carcinogen, kidney damage.

Lithium-ion batteries: Never dispose in trash or recycling. Tape terminals, take to certified collector. Polk County has seen 200% increase in battery-related fires since 2020.

Certified E-Waste Recyclers: Lakeland & Polk County

♻️ Florida Computer Recycling

📍 5405 N. Socrum Loop, Lakeland, FL 33809

🕒 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm • Sat by appt

📞 863-815-1999

  • ✓ Computers, laptops, servers
  • ✓ Monitors, printers, peripherals
  • ✓ Televisions (fees apply)

R2 Certified Data destruction

♻️ TechDump (eSmart Recycling)

📍 2025 E. Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801

🕒 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

📞 863-583-0500

  • ✓ All electronics, working/non-working
  • ✓ Free drop-off (computers, monitors)
  • ✓ Hard drive shredding available

e-Stewards Nonprofit

♻️ North Central Landfill

📍 3110 W. Carter Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33880

🕒 Mon-Fri 7:30-5:00, Sat 7:30-12:00

📞 863-284-4319

  • ✓ Electronics accepted at HHW facility
  • ✓ Polk County residents only
  • ✓ Appointment required

Proof of residency

Find certified recyclers: Visit floridadep.gov/e-waste or call Polk County HHW at 863-284-4319. Look for R2 or e-Stewards certification—these ensure e-waste is not illegally exported.

Data Security: The Overlooked Hazard

🔐 Deleting ≠ Destroying

Simply deleting files or reformatting does not permanently erase data. Recovered hard drives can expose banking, medical, and personal information.

1️⃣

Backup

Transfer files to new device or cloud storage.

2️⃣

Overwrite

Use disk-wiping software (DBAN, KillDisk).

3️⃣

Physical Destruction

Degaussing or shredding (offered by certified recyclers).

4️⃣

Certificate

Request Certificate of Data Destruction for compliance.

Florida Computer Recycling offers on-site hard drive shredding ($10/unit). TechDump provides free data wiping with donation.

Retailer Take-Back Programs

🛍️

Best Buy

Accepts: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, cables. Limit 3 items/day. Fees apply for TVs ($29.99).

🛍️

Staples

Accepts: Computers, monitors, printers, peripherals. Up to 5 boxes/day. No fee for most items.

🛍️

Office Depot

Accepts: Small electronics, cables, phones. $5/box for tech recycling.

Polk County Collection Events: Annual electronics recycling events hosted at various locations. Check polk-county.net or call 863-284-4319 for schedule.

What Cannot Be Recycled (Call Ahead)

❌ Smoke detectors

Contain radioactive material (americium). Return to manufacturer.

❌ Large copiers

Commercial equipment; contact manufacturer.

❌ Medical devices

Specialized disposal only.

❌ Household hazardous waste

Paint, chemicals, oil—HHW facility only.

When E-Waste Requires Professional Help

Large quantities, mixed e-waste, or items requiring transportation assistance can be challenging for residents. Professional junk removal services partner with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure compliant, documented disposal.

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Central Florida e-waste tip: Never place electronics in curbside recycling bins. They contaminate streams, damage MRF equipment, and endanger workers. Florida law allows fines for illegal dumping of covered electronic devices.