ABSTRACT
The United States produces millions of tons of electronic waste (e-waste) annually, untold amounts of which finds its way to developing countries for processing in “backyard” operations. The environmental, health, and social implications of unsustainable e-waste processing are largely unexplored by governmental agencies in the United States. This article posits that museums can take an active role in discussing e-waste recycling with their communities in four ways: 1) through institutional best practices, namely ensuring museum e-waste is recycled or repurposed sustainably, 2) presenting the topic of e-waste in exhibitions, programming, and community forums, 3) becoming sites where visitors can recycle their e-waste periodically, and 4) advocating for increased regulation on the exportation of e-waste.
