The use of consumer electronics by the public has grown substantially over the past couple of decades, which has increased the importance of reusing these materials instead of just letting them enter the waste stream. However, there can be safety hazards from handling components of consumer electronics in general, and specific components may have distinct hazardous properties.

Hazards and Precautions

The following hazards are applicable to recycling consumer electronics in general:

• Collection
  
  
• Forklifts
  
  
• Machinery - Moving Parts
  
  
• Unexpected Machine Startup
  
  
• Lifting Injuries
  
  
• Crushing Hazards
  
  
• Electrical Safety

In addition to the hazards listed above, workers should also be aware of potential hazards from the specific components of the electronics they are working with, such as:

• Fluids: e.g. refrigerants, ammonia
  • Ammonia Refrigeration Safety and Health Topics Page
  • Ammonia Refrigeration eTool
    
    
• Capacitors containing PCBs
  • OSHA Safety Hazard Information Bulletin on Light Ballasts and Chlorodiphenyl (PCB)
  • OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
    
    
• Mercury containing components
  • Mercury Safety and Health Topics Page
    
    
• Asbestos containing components
  • Asbestos Safety and Health Topics Page
    
    
• Lead and other substances including phosphorus pentachloride
  • Lead Safety and Health Topics Page
  • OSHA Occupational Chemical Database
    
    
• Components containing refractory ceramic fibers (RCFs)
  • Synthetic Mineral Fibers Safety and Health Topics Page
    
    
• Components containing radioactive substances
  • Ionizing Radiation Safety and Health Topics Page