Video Games
What Should I Do With It?
Video games and gaming consoles are classified as electronic waste, meaning they are completely excluded from standard curbside recycling programs and regular trash bins. Because these items are manufactured with complex circuit boards, plastics, and heavy metals, sending them to a landfill presents serious environmental hazards as toxic materials can leach into the surrounding soil and water table. To handle them responsibly, you can easily extend the life of functional games by buying used copies, trading them in at participating retailers, or donating them to local community centers. When your gaming hardware or software is completely non-functional and cannot be repaired, it must be brought to a certified local e-waste collection point or returned through manufacturer recycling programs to be safely processed.
Safety First
This item contains chemicals, heavy metals, or batteries that can be dangerous. Throwing it in your regular trash can cause fires, hurt sanitation workers, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.