Electronics Recycling in Michigan: How Communities Can Increase Participation

In an episode of the SPARK podcast, host Casey Hines sat down with Steve Noble of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and Noelle Behling of Emmet County to discuss what drives electronics recycling participation. Their conversation explored the challenges communities face, the strategies that are working, and the role convenience, communication, and partnerships play in helping residents recycle with confidence.

From the Junk Drawer to the Drop-Off Site

Old TVs. Outdated laptops. Tucked-away monitors. A phone sitting in a kitchen drawer for years.

Most households have electronics they no longer need—but knowing what to do with them isn’t always straightforward. Participation in electronics recycling often comes down to awareness, convenience, trust, and confidence in the process.

In Michigan, these challenges are being addressed through a combination of statewide support and local innovation. Communities are finding new ways to improve access, educate residents, and build confidence in recycling programs.

Why Residents Hold onto Old Electronics

Many residents want to recycle responsibly but aren’t always sure where to start. Questions about data security, collection locations, accepted materials, and environmental impact can lead devices to remain stored in homes long after they’ve reached the end of their useful life.

For community recycling programs, addressing these concerns is often the first step toward increasing participation. When residents understand where materials go, how personal information is protected, and how easy recycling can be, they’re more likely to take action.

What Increases Electronics Recycling Participation?

Communities tend to see stronger participation when programs are:

• Convenient and accessible
• Clearly communicated
• Supported by trusted local partnerships
• Transparent about data security and downstream recycling practices
• Designed to meet local community needs

To better understand what drives participation, we asked two leaders working directly in Michigan’s recycling ecosystem. Their perspectives highlight the practical strategies, partnerships, and communication approaches helping communities make electronics recycling more accessible—and more successful.

Q&A: What Helps Community Recycling Programs Work?

What does electronics recycling participation look like across Michigan today?

Steve Noble: There’s strong interest across the state, but access varies. Larger communities tend to have more consistent services, while rural areas face higher costs and logistical challenges. Grant programs and regional collaboration are helping expand access.

Are there differences in what communities are recycling?

Steve Noble: Yes—especially in rural areas, where older CRT televisions are still more common. These are declining, while flat-panel devices are increasing.

What are the biggest barriers to participation?

Steve Noble: Awareness, convenience, cost, and confusion—but especially data security concerns. Many residents hesitate to recycle devices because they’re unsure how their data will be handled.

What outreach strategies are most effective at the local level?

Noelle Behling: Meeting people where they are—at drop-off sites and through local channels like social media, schools, and community partners.

What messaging resonates most with residents?

Noelle Behling: Empathy. Acknowledging that recycling can feel confusing helps build trust. Messaging around environmental responsibility, safety, and convenience resonates.

How important is convenience in program design?

Steve Noble: It’s critical. Limited access reduces participation. Regional models help improve accessibility.

Noelle Behling: Year-round access simplified participation and increased engagement.

Why are partnerships so important?

Steve Noble: State programs need local support to scale access.

Noelle Behling: Partnerships create practical solutions and community engagement.

Why does transparency matter in electronics recycling?

Noelle Behling: Transparency builds trust. Clear communication about downstream handling gives residents confidence in recycling programs.

What advice would you give communities just getting started?

Noelle Behling: Start small and build partnerships.

Steve Noble: Focus on access and regional collaboration.

Building Trust Through Access and Communication

While every community faces unique challenges, a consistent theme emerged throughout the discussion: residents are more likely to recycle electronics when programs are easy to access, easy to understand, and supported by organizations they trust.

Whether through regional collaboration, year-round collection opportunities, or clear communication about data security and responsible recycling practices, communities can remove barriers that often prevent participation.

The result is a stronger recycling ecosystem—one that benefits residents, local governments, and the environment alike.

What Residents Should Know

Responsible electronics recycling starts with informed decisions. One important reminder: lithium batteries and battery-containing devices should never be placed in the trash.

Improper disposal can create fire risks and safety hazards throughout the waste stream. Residents should always follow local guidance for battery recycling and handling.

EPA Resource:
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries

Residents can:

• Ask where electronics go after collection
• Contact local recycling programs for guidance
• Choose responsible recyclers
• Handle batteries carefully
• Review accepted materials before drop-off

Frequently Asked Questions About Electronics Recycling in Michigan

How do I recycle electronics in Michigan?

Residents can contact local recycling programs, county facilities, or certified electronics recyclers to learn about available drop-off opportunities and collection events.

Why is electronics recycling important?

Electronics contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused while helping prevent potentially harmful materials from entering landfills.

Can lithium batteries be thrown away?

No. Lithium batteries should never be placed in household trash because they can create fire hazards and safety risks.

What are the biggest barriers to electronics recycling?

Common barriers include lack of awareness, limited access to collection opportunities, data security concerns, and confusion about what materials are accepted.

How can communities increase recycling participation?

Communities often see stronger participation when programs prioritize convenience, clear communication, trusted partnerships, and transparency about recycling processes.

Looking to Strengthen Electronics Recycling in Your Community?

Connect with Dynamic to build a program that’s convenient, trusted, and designed for real participation.