Title: How to recycle electronics in Wisconsin | Wisconsin DNR
Headings: HOW TO RECYCLE ELECTRONICS IN WISCONSIN
HOW TO RECYCLE ELECTRONICS IN WISCONSIN
Preparing electronics for reuse or recycling
Choosing the right recycler for you

Content: For example, IOS, Android and Windows operating systems for mobile devices may have features like factory resets built in that can help with data wiping and protection. Back up files you want to keep before beginning to wipe data. Disconnect from web- or “cloud”-based services, websites, etc., especially those tied to a credit card or bank account, or that automatically sync or upload files. For some types of data storage, physical destruction (e.g., driving a nail through a hard drive) may work, but be aware that this may not work for newer data storage (e.g., “solid state” hard drives), because data can be recovered even from very small pieces of the storage device. There are also electronics repair shops that provide data backup and wiping services. Ask questions about their processes to ensure your data is secure. Even if part of your device is not functioning (i.e., the battery) and you can’t start the device, there are still ways to back up or access the device data. Be sure to ask your recycler or collection site questions about how they will keep your data-containing devices secure (e.g., prevent theft from their facility) and what, if anything, they do to erase or wipe personal data. Electronics may be moved to multiple facilities before being dismantled or shredded.