Physical Place:

Reduce, Reuse,
Rethink, Recycle

START Metric #30:

Electronic Waste

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Ideas & Resources

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices such as computers, tablets, phones, printers, and other technology commonly used in schools. Proper e-waste management involves adhering to city, state, and federal regulations for the recycling, refurbishing, or safe disposal of electronics. Schools should strive to go beyond compliance by reducing e-waste generation, reusing functional devices, and engaging in responsible recycling practices.

The stakes are high: e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally, with an estimated 57.4 million tons generated in 2021 alone. Unfortunately, only 17.4% of this e-waste was properly recycled, leaving the rest to pollute landfills and harm ecosystems. Electronic devices often contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into the soil and water supply if improperly discarded. In addition, mining for rare metals used in electronics contributes to deforestation, pollution, and human rights abuses.

By prioritizing e-waste management, schools can reduce environmental harm, extend the lifecycle of valuable resources, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability. Proper e-waste practices also promote responsible consumption and teach students the importance of minimizing waste in an increasingly digital world.

Key Facts:

  • Global E-Waste Generation: In 2021, an estimated 57.4 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. (Weee Forum)

  • E-Waste Recycling Rate: Only 17.4% of e-waste discarded in 2019 was recycled, according to the United Nations. (Earth911)

  • Hazardous Materials in E-Waste: Electronic devices often contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into the soil and water supply if improperly discarded. (World Health Organization)

  • Environmental Impact of E-Waste: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to environmental damage, including contamination of the food, air, or water supply.

    (World Health Organization)

Strategies for Effective E-Waste Management

NOTE: This is not a prescriptive list; it just offers ideas to inspire action and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each school.

  • Conduct a School-Wide E-Waste Audit

    • Identify all unused or obsolete electronic devices on campus.

    • Assess which items can be repaired, refurbished, or responsibly recycled.

  • Establish a Recycling Program

    • Partner with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure safe disposal and compliance with regulations.

    • Set up e-waste collection bins in accessible areas for staff and students.

  • Prioritize Repair and Refurbishment

    • Invest in repair services to extend the life of electronic devices.

    • Donate functional but unused equipment to schools or organizations in need.

  • Engage in Responsible Purchasing

    • Choose durable, energy-efficient electronics to minimize frequent replacements.

    • Prioritize vendors with take-back programs for old devices.

  • Educate the School Community

    • Organize workshops or campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of e-waste.

    • Encourage students to research and present solutions for reducing electronic waste.

  • Host E-Waste Drives

    • Partner with local organizations to host community-wide e-waste collection events.

    • Use these events to involve students and families in responsible recycling practices.

  • Leverage Technology Recycling Incentives

    • Explore programs offered by manufacturers or retailers for trade-ins or recycling credits.

    • Participate in initiatives like Apple’s Trade-In Program or Dell’s Recycling Services.

  • Reduce E-Waste Generation

    • Implement device-sharing programs to reduce the total number of electronics purchased.

    • Encourage cloud-based solutions to decrease reliance on physical devices.

  • Track and Celebrate Progress

    • Record the quantity of e-waste diverted from landfills to measure the impact of your initiatives.

    • Share success stories with the school community to encourage continued participation.

  • Incorporate E-Waste Management Into Curriculum

    • Teach students about the lifecycle of electronics and the importance of sustainable practices.

    • Use e-waste projects to engage students in STEM and environmental education.

‘How To’ Guides

  • How to Run an E-Waste Drive

    Created by a GSA student intern, a guide to help you plan, implement and evaluate an E-Waste drive, including helpful links.

Schools hold the key to a healthy, sustainable and regenerative future.

They are role-models and incubators that that nurture, educate and prepare each generation for adult life.

Schools have a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to become part the transition to a sustainable, regenerative future in which people and planet can thrive.

But how do we get there?

START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool was created by schools, for schools, to help them develop comprehensive programs for step-by-step progress towards sustainability, regenerative practice, and student empowerment.

START provides a Roadmap for School Sustainability:

It breaks down school sustainability into clear actions (‘metrics’), such as Minimizing Waste, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and supporting Sustainable Transportation options.

However, research shows it’s not enough for a school to simply reduce its environmental impact.

Students and staff also need to learn about sustainability, and practice it in day-to-day activities, because this impacts their attitudes and behaviors when they leave school. That’s why START includes metrics like Sustainability Events for Students, Sustainability Course Content, and Sustainable Purchasing Practices.

How sustainable is our school now?

Schools use START to measure how sustainable they are now. A school’s START team investigates how their school currently operates to find their ‘sustainability baseline’ for each metric. For example, is our school a beginner, intermediate or advanced in sustainable water use? START enables schools to benchmark, track and visualize their current sustainability levels, as well as hard data around their waste, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.

Where should we go next, and do we collaborate for success? 

What do we need to do to ‘level up’ in each metric?  Once schools have their baselines, START helps them to set goals and plan for progress. START provides a central hub for school members to collaborate, document, and plan their school’s sustainability journey.

START is a subscription-based Whole School Sustainability dashboard.

It requires at least one adult school member to create a school’s START account, but it will need a team (students, teachers and staff) to grow a Whole School Sustainability program.

Interested schools can sign up for a demo or apply to set up an account.

Learn more about START here, and consider sharing the brochure with your school.

Let’s create a better future, one school at a time.

Contact us at guides@greenschoolsalliance.org if you have a free resource to contribute or recommend that can help schools take action around this specific sustainability metric.