How to Dispose of wifi-router
- 1Wireless Wi-Fi routers, broadband internet modems, and IPTV set-top boxes are small electronics containing internal printed circuit boards (PCBs), aluminum heatsinks, and copper antenna coils.
- 2If the device was leased through a telecommunications provider (KT, SK Broadband, LG U+), you must return it upon subscription cancellation to avoid substantial unreturned equipment penalty fees.
- ✓Personally purchased retail routers should have their internal configurations and Wi-Fi credentials factory-reset before being dropped into municipal small electronics recycling boxes at local community centers or apartment complexes.
How to Dispose (5 Steps)
- 1
Step 1: Check the underside manufacturer label for telecom provider logos (KT, SK Broadband, LG U+); if leased, contact customer service for free courier pickup to avoid penalty charges.
- 2
Step 2: For personally owned routers, power on the device and press the recessed RST (Reset) pinhole button with a paperclip for 5 to 10 seconds to restore factory defaults and wipe network credentials.
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Step 3: Unplug the AC power adapter, disconnect all RJ-45 Ethernet cables, and detach modular external antennas from the rear ports.
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Step 4: Deposit the wiped router body, power adapter, and set-top box into the designated small e-waste collection bin located at apartment recycling hubs or neighborhood community centers.
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Step 5: Bundle intact Ethernet cables into non-ferrous wire recycling or the e-waste bin, while severely damaged or cut cords should be disposed of in standard general municipal trash bags.
Real-World Examples
Privately owned wireless routers (ipTIME, ASUS, Netgear): Factory reset and deposit into municipal small electronics collection bins
ISP broadband modems & IPTV set-top boxes: Return via official telecom service technician visit or prepaid carrier return courier
DC power adapters & transformer bricks: Houses internal copper coils and circuitry; place into small appliance recycling receptacles
Ethernet LAN cords (RJ-45 Cat5e/Cat6): Place with scrap metal electrical wire recycling or small electronics receptacles for copper recovery
IPTV set-top box remote controls: Remove alkaline batteries for dedicated battery bins, then place remote body in e-waste drop-box
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to return an ISP modem or router even if I cancelled my plan years ago?
A. Yes, verify equipment status with your carrier customer service (KT 100, SKB 106, LGU+ 101) first. If your contract stipulated lease ownership transfer after a set period or the depreciation grace period expired, it is yours to recycle. However, if their database still flags it as an unreturned leased device, compensation fees may still be assessed unless officially surrendered.
Q. Why is a factory reset essential before discarding a Wi-Fi router?
A. Router internal non-volatile memory caches administrative credentials, Wi-Fi SSID passwords, connected device MAC addresses, IP leases, and port forwarding rules. Depressing the RST pinhole switch for 5 to 10 seconds until the status LEDs flash rapidly restores the firmware to factory defaults, permanently sanitizing sensitive home network configurations.
Q. Can I discard the power adapter and Ethernet LAN cables in the same collection box?
A. Yes. Municipal small electronics collection bins accept companion accessories including AC power bricks, transformer chargers, and RJ-45 Ethernet cords. Metal recycling facilities efficiently recover valuable copper wiring and transformer metals from these bundled cords alongside router circuit boards.