Did you know that around 1.39 billion smartphones were sold in 2022? That’s a lot of phones going around, but not a surprising number. Most of us are pretty attached to our cell phones. And yet, 5.3 billion mobile phones were thrown away in 2022. Why would we throw away even more phones than we’re buying, and what are the implications of such a number?
At Sutter Metals, we provide convenient specialized recycling in the Tacoma area. We believe in taking care of the environment and respecting the resources the earth gives us by reusing and recycling. In this blog post, we’ll talk about e-scrap: what it is, why it matters, and how and where to recycle it.
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What is E-Scrap?
Just as we refer to scrap metal from old cars or machinery, we call electronic scraps e-scrap. This e-scrap is more than metal. Electronic devices often contain glass, plastic, and multiple metals, and many of these materials can be recycled.
Almost all electrical devices and appliances can be recycled, you just need to find a facility that accepts them. Check out this list of common electronics that can be recycled.

- Personal electronic devices: smartphones, laptops, computers
- Entertainment, video, and audio devices: radios, speakers, game consoles, televisions
- Accessories and components: cables, hard drives, power supply, keyboards, mice, remotes
- Kitchen appliances: toasters, microwaves, blenders
- Personal care devices: hairdryers, curling irons, electric toothbrushes
- Large appliances: washing machines, refrigerators, ovens
- Power tools: drills, electric saws, sewing machines
- Lawn tools and machinery: lawnmowers, leaf blowers, weed eaters
- Exercise equipment: stationary bikes, treadmills
Why to Recycle Electronics
Remember how 5.3 billion phones were thrown away in 2022? That many phones stacked on top of each other would pile 31,000 feet into the air. Imagine that much metal, glass, and plastic in landfills and oceans, seeping toxic chemicals into our environment.
Alternatively, many types of metal can be recycled indefinitely. That means we can either dump it into the environment, where it is toxic and takes centuries to break down, or we can reuse it over and over. Reusing metal not only saves it from harming the environment but also allows us to mine and use less virgin ore. Mining isn’t sustainable, and the earth’s resources are limited.
Glass can also be recycled infinitely, making it another valuable material in electronics to recycle instead of throw away. While plastic can usually only be recycled two or three times, it’s still better to take advantage of its full lifespan and reduce the overall amount that ends up in landfills. Plastic takes even longer than metal to break down, all while releasing harmful toxins. And as it breaks down, it threatens animal life, and humans, as well–tiny plastic particles are entering our food stream from the environment.
How and Where to Recycle Electronics
There is no denying that we all need to do our part to reuse and recycle in our everyday lives, from our plastic bags to our old smartphones. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you recycle, if you take the time to look.
Start by gathering up all your electronics you no longer need. For devices like phones and laptops, take out memory cards and remove any personal data. You may also need to remove batteries or bulbs from your electronics, depending on where you recycle it. Then, with your pile of e-scrap ready to go, it’s time to find a place to recycle it.
If you’re near Lacey, Centralia, or Tacoma, WA, you can bring several types of e-scrap to Sutter Metals for easy recycling. If you’re somewhere else or have electronics we can’t take, use a resource like Consumer Technology Association or Earth911 to find a recycler near you.
Easy E-Scrap Recycling at Sutter Metals
Sutter Metals recycles e-scrap and other types of scrap metal, with facilities in Lacey, Centralia, and Tacoma, WA. All you have to do is bring in your electronics and scrap, and we’ll pay you for it! We have a drive-on scale for large quantities of scrap or a drop scale for smaller items. Whether you’re bringing in a box of old phones and laptops or an entire refrigerator, we’ll make the process easy. We always pay competitive prices for your scrap.
If you’re not sure whether your items can be recycled with us or want an estimate of how much they’re worth, just give us a call. Our team can answer any questions about what can be recycled, how it should be prepared, and give you a price quote.

Start Recycling at Sutter Metals Today!
Don’t add your old phone to that 31,000-foot pile that accumulates each year. All those stray cords, unused devices, and old appliances that have lingered in your drawers, corners, and garages over the years are easy to recycle, and you’ll even make a little cash from it. Don’t throw them away. Electronics are a huge contributor to the landfill problem, filling our oceans and land with non-biodegradable waste that harms wildlife and leaks toxins.
Sutter Metals is your one-stop recycling depot in the Tacoma area. Give us a call today with any questions at (253) 533-6253, or bring in your e-scrap!