By the end of 2025, only half of the U.S. will have mandated electronics recycling. Many still rely on older hazardous waste regulations that don’t always cover the components of today’s electronics.
A sustainable approach to end-of-life electronics is necessary. From the moment a product is planned, the materials required to manufacture it must be considered. Using recycled materials prevents toxic materials from being buried in landfills or released during incineration.
Mining and refining raw materials consume a lot of energy and pollute the environment. Reusing existing materials is a better option.
Manufacturers are only part of the bigger picture. Consumers need to make responsible purchases. When a product reaches the end of its life or breaks, repairs or recycling are vital. Responsible recycling is something every business owner must carefully plan.
We’ve reached a point in the circular economy where recycling must shift from a recommendation to a requirement. Personal information, raw materials, and the world rely on a responsible, team-based approach. Consumers, businesses, manufacturers, and state and federal governments can change the world by working together.
New Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations for Batteries
The EPA spent much of 2025 consulting with experts to create new battery recycling regulations. On February 10, 2026, a virtual roundtable on extended battery producer responsibility is scheduled. The goal is to have national battery recycling guidelines in place for small and mid-format batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries.
These popular rechargeable batteries contain several materials that can be recycled and reused. Keeping them out of landfills is essential because of the potential dangers. Exposure to high levels in the ground, air, or soil can cause health issues, including:
- Aluminum – High levels can impact brain health, bone density, lung and heart health, and iron levels.
- Cobalt – High levels can cause occupational asthma, heart issues, damage to the nervous system, and cancer.
- Copper – High levels impact iron absorption, immune function, tissue and cell strength, and skin health.
- Graphite – Inhalation of high amounts of graphite dust impacts lung health.
- Lithium – High levels can weaken muscles, cause stomach pain, impact coordination, and lead to confusion.
- Manganese – Exposure to too much manganese impacts reproductive health, lung irritation, symptoms that mimic those of Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive issues.
- Nickel – Allergic reactions like skin rashes or sinusitis are problems.
Batteries are one area of electronics recycling that is changing in 2026. New universal waste definitions are also adding solar panels.
State Laws Being Enacted in 2026
The federal government is working to create federal regulations that apply to everyone in the nation. There are also state laws being enacted in 2026.
- California – A new POS recycling fee is being added to any product with an embedded battery, including handheld gaming devices, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds.
- Colorado – A Right to Repair law that allows consumers to use recycled or generic parts to repair their electronic devices. It applies to many devices sold after 2021.
- Florida – A statewide e-waste reduction and recycling plan will be finalized by July 1, 2026.
- Illinois – Distributors or retailers of all portable and medium-format batteries must establish recycling programs with the state.
- Minnesota – Manufacturers are legally required to report any products, including circuit boards and electronic coatings, containing PFAs by July 1, 2026.
- Oregon – Oregon E-Cycles is expanding to add digital converter boxes, DVD players, IT equipment (modems, routers, and servers), scanners, VCRs, and video game consoles.
- Pennsylvania – A new e-waste recycling program that adds e-readers and tablets goes into effect at the end of March 2026, once it’s finalized in the legislature.
- Texas – For any electronic device costing $50 or more, a Right to Repair law now empowers consumers and businesses to repair rather than recycle their devices.
- Vermont – Expansions to the existing battery recycling mandate are in effect, including any non-rechargeable battery weighing less than 26 pounds. Manufacturers that make batteries meeting these new requirements must establish a battery stewardship plan with the state.
- Washington – A Right to Repair law was already in effect, but manufacturers must now provide consumers and repair shops with the tools, schematics, and parts to repair their own electronics.
Privacy Risks Can’t Be Overlooked
With every electronic device that’s recycled, there’s a risk of “zombie data.” Even after a factory reset, data remains on electronic devices, aka “zombie data.” Someone with the right tools and knowledge can retrieve that data.
Imagine the damage if a hospital’s servers still held patient data that hadn’t been properly destroyed. What if someone purchased a retailer’s POS system that still contained credit card and contact information for loyal customers? What if your bank recycled its old computers without destroying data containing business and individual account information?
Electronic recycling has the power to improve the world for everyone, but it cannot come at the cost of the theft of private information. Data destruction needs to be part of any recycling initiative, and the measures must comply with HIPAA, GLBA, and other privacy laws.
Tips for Staying Compliant in 2026
ESG (environmental, social, and governance) requirements have been voluntary, but there’s going to be a shift starting in 2026. Businesses and manufacturers need to be very careful about how they recycle and who they choose to partner with.
This became evident when a downstream vendor selected by a major investment firm failed to follow proper data destruction procedures. It’s crucial to choose responsible, ethical, and lawful vendors at every stage of your recycling efforts.
Saving money may be your goal, but it’s not the most crucial consideration. When choosing an ITAD partner, make sure you carefully vet the provider. Look for e-Stewards and R2v3-certified providers that provide a certificate of destruction for every item.
You need to keep inventoried lists of your electronic assets and their serial numbers. Know where they start, where they go, how they get there, and that they were properly recycled with proof available, should your state’s attorney general or other authorities ask.
ERI holds multiple certifications that extend well beyond e-Stewards and R2. Our workers, the environment, and people around the world should all be protected during electronics recycling procedures, and the certifications we hold demonstrate our commitment to that care and consideration.
We’re a leading ITAD and electronics recycling provider in the U.S., with eight locations across the country, providing data destruction and electronics recycling services in every state. Reach us online to learn more.