Local business founder discusses importance, safety of tech recycling

Local business founder discusses importance, safety of tech recycling

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – When technology reaches the end of its lifespan, it may seem like the landfill is the next stop.

However, one local business founder is sharing there’s another path forward for some electronics and how to safely give them another life.

Chris Blanz, founder and CEO of Dispo.tech LLC in Bowling Green, stated, “One common misconception is that ‘recycling’ always means dismantling or destroying everything that comes in. People bring electronics to Dispo.tech for many reasons besides failure. Maybe they do not have room for an item anymore or simply no longer need it.”

Blanz says a retired piece of technology can still have plenty of future use for someone else.

“In those cases, we believe the best outcome is reuse,” Blanz says. “After personal data has been properly addressed, we repair and refurbish suitable items and make them available in our store.”

Another misconception about tech recycling is that older electronics are “harmless clutter” that can go in the trash or in a curbside recycling bin, he says. Blanz says this can present some security issues.

“You would be amazed by the types of devices that can retain personal information after they are unplugged or their batteries are removed,” Blanz states. “Usernames, PIN codes, passwords and other small pieces of information can sometimes be recovered if devices are not handled properly.”

In addition, he says physical safety is a concern, with many computers containing internal batteries.

Blanz says, “Lithium-ion batteries in phones, laptops, tablets and other devices can pose a fire risk if they are damaged, crushed, punctured or improperly handled. That is why electronics should be evaluated and disassembled through a responsible recycling process rather than sent to a landfill or general scrap stream.”

At Dispo.tech, he says they ask customers to cover the battery terminals “with clear packing tape” and to “never leave batteries outside” the facility.

Blanz also discussed the overall possible benefits of tech recycling, including conserving energy, reducing pollution and more.

He expanded on this, saying, “It helps recover critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, as well as valuable materials like copper that are already in circulation. These materials are vital to modern technology, energy systems, communications and defense equipment. Recovering them responsibly can reduce reliance on overseas mining and fragile supply chains while strengthening domestic material resilience.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 U.S. homes in a year.”

How much does it cost to recycle tech?

The cost varies by location and which business you approach.

At Dispo.tech in Bowling Green, Blanz says that “most common electronic are accepted free of charge, including computers, cables, phones, radios and many everyday devices.”

He says if something plugs into the wall or runs on batteries, there “is a good chance” the store can help.

Items that may include a fee include “certain batteries, large printers, office copiers and other complex equipment.”

If in doubt, Blanz says the team encourages people to check current pricing or to call ahead for unusual items.

What is not accepted for recycling?

The store does not accept smoke detectors, fluorescent tubes, air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers or any other equipment that still contains liquids, Blanz says, along with specialty batteries, such as electric vehicle batteries.

However, he says the store can accept car batteries and other large lead acid batteries.

Anyone who wants to confirm ahead of time is encouraged to call the store at 270-216-0962.

To visit Dispo-tech in person, head to 331 Kentucky St. #104 in Bowling Green. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.