How to Properly Dispose of Keyboards, Mice, and Peripherals

Importance of Proper Disposal of Electronic Peripherals

Keyboards, mice, and peripherals are electronic devices that contain components that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Proper disposal ensures the reuse of materials and reduces environmental impact, as determined by the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010), which regulates the sustainable management of electronic waste.

Applicable Legislation

CONAMA Resolution No. 401/2008 establishes guidelines for the management of electronic waste, including the mandatory proper disposal to prevent soil and water contamination. In addition, the National System of Solid Waste Management Information (SINIR) reinforces the obligations for conscious disposal and segregation of these wastes.

Procedures for Proper Disposal

To properly dispose of keyboards, mice, and peripherals, one should:

• Separate electronic equipment from common waste;
• Check if there are specific collection points for electronic waste nearby. To schedule specialized collection of electronics, it is recommended to consult the approved electronic waste collection service;
• Confirm the operational status or possible reuse or donation when appropriate, as this process extends the life of the devices;
• Avoid disposing of these devices in irregular locations to prevent environmental contamination and public health risks, according to guidelines from CETESB (Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo).

Safe Disposal and Data Sanitization in Storage Media

Keyboards, mice, and peripherals are often associated with storage devices that contain sensitive data. For the disposal of hard drives or media with confidential data, technical sanitization and destruction procedures are essential to ensure information security:

• Perform secure data cleaning using recognized methods (demagnetization, physical destruction, etc.);
• Schedule specialized services for media sanitization and destruction certified to guarantee non-recovery of information;
• Follow technical standards indicated by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) for reliable sanitization and disposal.

Environmental Importance and Final Recommendations

Proper disposal prevents toxic substances present in electronic circuits and components from polluting the soil and contaminating water, negatively impacting the environment and public health. Adopting responsible disposal and reuse practices strengthens environmental sustainability and aligns with current regulations.

Regularly consult official agencies for updated information and scheduling specialized collection is the recommended practice to ensure compliance and safety in disposal.