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Electronic Waste Recycling Information
What items are considered to be "electronics?"
Popular types
of electronics are: televisions and computer monitors, laptops, computers
and computer peripherals (peripherals are anything you plug into
your computer for input, output, or storage, keyboard, mouse,
printer, external hard drives, etc.),
televisions, audio and stereo
equipment, VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, telephones, fax and
copying machines, cellphones, wireless devices, video game
consoles and more.
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Why prevent electronics from entering the landfill?
Most
electronics are made up of chemicals that could potentially be
harmful to the environment if disposed of incorrectly. Metals
such as lead, silver, barium, cadmium, and mercury could be
included in these devices. With proper recycling, these metals
could be disposed of safely and wouldn’t be able to harm the
environment.
The average
useful life of a computer is approximately 3 years and continues
to decline. Only a
small of computers are being recycled, though the production of
computers is rising.
Electronics can
contain valuable natural resources, such as precious metals,
plastic and glass. Discarded electronics means discarded
resources that could be reused.
Conserving these resources also means preventing
additional pollution and wasted energy obtaining virgin
material.
Many older
electronic models, especially televisions and monitors, contain
cathode ray tubes (CRTs), batteries, and mercury switches.
These elements contain mercury, lead, and other
types of hazardous materials.
Recycling prevents the emission and exposure of these
materials.
Companies may
be qualified for a tax break if they donate computers to schools
receiving special grants.
What are the regulations concerning electronics disposal for businesses?
The business
generating the waste is the only one responsible for determining
whether the waste would be considered hazardous waste under the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The generator also has to
make sure that the waste is managed and disposed of properly.
The EPA allows
electronics that will be recycled to be managed under the
Universal Waste regulations, which simplifies the management of
these wastes.
The EPA must be
notified if your business intends on exporting cathode ray tube
(CRT) computer monitors to make sure the company allows the
shipments.
What are the regulations concerning recyclers, refurbishers or
dismantlers?
Due to current
regulations, electronics that will be reused, rebuilt, or
remanufactured are not considered waste under the RCRA. If the
units are demanufactured into individual components, the RCRA
must evaluate any issues on a case-by-case basis. Individual
components that are generated and disposed of require evaluation
under TCLP criteria and should be managed according to that.
Solid
Waste Management Regulations may also apply to the management of
electronic wastes, but changes are expected for these
regulations in the very near future.
What can I do to help minimize the electronics disposal problem?
Before deciding
to dispose of your electronics determine if the product can be
potentially upgraded for use in the future or donated to someone
else who will be able to use it (try contacting charities,
non-profits, governments, or schools)
If you do
decide to dispose of electronics, determine if the product will
be able to be recycled anywhere in your area and whether or not
the product can be disposed of according to regulations in your
area.
Why reuse or recycle outdated computer and electronic equipment?
Electronic
devices make up approximately one percent of the annual
209,700,000 tons of solid waste generated in the
United States. It is further
estimated that the total volume of electronic equipment recycled
in the U.S. was approximately 134,000 tons
in 1998. Another 1.3 million units were "reused" by third
parties.
Electronic
waste can be reused or donated to not-for-profit organizations
or demanufactured into usable components. Components such as
cathode ray tubes, printed circuit boards, and silicon chips can
be demanufactured into raw materials such as metals, plastics,
and glass.
MORE ON E-CYCLING
RECYCLING PROCESS
1.
After arriving
at a recycling processor, electronics are weighed in bulk and
then separated into types according to how they will be
disassembled.
2.
Once the parts
are disassembled, each component is evaluated for possible reuse
or refurbishment.
Parts that are not repairable are sent for separate processing
and recovery into raw material, like glass, plastic, and various
metals.
3.
Parts that can
be refurbished may be physically repaired.
Computers may require software installations or memory
upgrades, and other electronic equipment may require small part
replacements.
Computer Recycling
Unlike other
recyclables, computers posed a particular challenge for
recyclers, but the numerous parts of a computer provide numerous
options for resale or reuse.
Circuit Boards:
Many hard drives and circuit boards remain intact within
an older model computer and can be resold.
Small
Plastic Components:
These materials are typically made from a durable type of
polyethylene, which is easy to remove and process.
However, these parts can become easily contaminated and
must be kept clean for resale.
Small Metal
Parts:
Screws and clips can be magnetically separated from the
computer and sold as scrap.
Monitors:
Monitors are separated from their plastic frames and
metal supports. If
the monitor contains a CRT, it is removed and crushed, safely
containing any hazardous mercury waste.
The glass and metal obtained is cleaned and sold.
RESPONSIBLE e-WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Find a school,
organization, or family to whom you can donate your old
computer. Extending
the life of the computer avoids waste of any kind.
If donating, ensure that equipment is operational, and
verify any software requirements of the receiving organization.
Consult your
local recycling center or retailer for special collections,
programs, or incentives for electronics.
Be purposeful
when making new electronics purchases. Look for electronics that
are energy efficient, made with recycled content, use minimal
packaging, and can be easily upgraded.
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