News

What happens to your old audio components? We're asking Stereophile readers that very question this week, but the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has already studied the habits of general consumers and found that most unwanted consumer electronics go to secondary users, not into America's waste stream.

The CEA reports that the biggest beneficiaries of hand-me-down products that were not trashed were charities (34%), friends (28%), and family members (26%). According to the trade organization, the research also shows that, while most consumers find alternatives to trashing electronics, they lack awareness and require education about electronics recycling. Despite the fact that 8 out of 10 Americans perceive that recycling of unwanted household items is important, the majority (92%) believe it is more important to recycle plastics, newspapers, and aluminum cans than it is to recycle consumer electronics products (78%) or household appliances (77%).

Likewise, although 69% of US adults recycle household trash all or most of the time, the CEA discovered that less than half recycle electronics and appliances (42% and 43% respectively) with the same frequency. The CEA's Joseph Bates says, "Though electronics recycling is not as widespread as it is for other goods, nearly as many end-of-life products are recycled as are thrown away, which is extremely encouraging given that electronics recycling is just becoming available in some parts of the country."

How would you like your recycling done? The study finds most Americans (58%) prefer an electronics recycling program that would facilitate curbside handling. The CEA says this indicates that consumer convenience is essential to increasing the volume of consumer electronics products recycled. A smaller number (28%) prefer taking the product to a designated recycling center.

When asked who should bear responsibility for electronics recycling management, the majority of Americans (57%) believe that local, state and federal governments have a significant role to play. And for their part, nearly half of consumers support paying for a recycling program, regardless of funding method. Nearly two-thirds (63%) believe that participation in a CE recycling program should be strictly voluntary, while one-third (35%) believe it should be required by law.