Electronics are complex devices which are made of a wide variety
of material constituents. Some of the constituents, such as
lead, nickel, cadmium, and mercury, could pose risks to human
health or the environment if mismanaged at their end-of-life.
EPA is very concerned about ensuring the proper management of
used electronics and has undertaken important work to increase
the collection and responsible recycling of used electronics. As
for managing electronics disposed in the US in landfills, we
believe that disposal of electronics in properly managed
municipal solid waste landfills does not threaten human health
and the environment. The results of landfill leachate studies,
suggest that currently allowed disposal of electronics —
including those containing heavy metals — in modern municipal
solid waste landfills are protective of human health and the
environment. However, we strongly support keeping used
electronics out of landfills, to recover materials and reduce
the environmental impacts and energy demands