E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life." Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards is one of the fastest growing segments of our nation's waste stream. In addition, some researchers estimate that nearly 75 percent of old electronics are in storage, in part because of the uncertainty of how to manage the materials. Combine this with increasing advances in technology and new products headed towards the market and it is no wonder that "e-waste" is a popular topic.
Most electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals, that can be recovered for recycling. Recycling your waste electronics saves resources and protects the Earth because new metals don't have to be mined. In addition, some electronic products contain high enough levels of certain materials, such as lead, that render them hazardous waste when disposed. For instance, California law designates waste televisions and monitors as hazardous. Hazardous wastes cannot be disposed with municipal trash.
For starters, establishing eRecycle.org as California's one-stop shop for information on how to manage unwanted electronics. Through this website consumers can find out where reuse and recycling opportunities exist near them. California is also implementing landmark legislation. Key elements of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 include:
- Reduction in hazardous substances used in certain electronic products sold in California
- Collection of an electronic waste recycling fee at the point of sale of certain products.
- Distribution of recovery and recycling payments to qualified entities covering the cost of electronic waste collection and recycling.
- Directive to establish environmentally preferred purchasing criteria for state agency purchases of certain electronic equipment.
The Integrated Waste Management Board's website lists program timelines for the implementing the Act.
The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 designated certain electronic products as being covered by a fee and payment system to encourage the proper recycling of the products when they become waste. As of July 1, 2004, "covered electronic devices" and "covered electronic wastes" include televisions and computer monitors that contain a cathode ray tube (CRT), laptop computers, and liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitors.
Plasma and LCD televisions have been added beginning July 1,
2005. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) continues to test other products to determine if they should be covered by the program.
The mantra of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" applies here. Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance. Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating or selling it to someone who can still use it. Recycle those components that cannot be repaired. To find an organization that reuses or recycles electronics, search the
database of
electronics recycling opportunities.
For more information, explore the resources available within this site. Two outstanding overviews include:
The U.S. EPA's recently published WasteWise Update on Electronics Reuse and Recycling, a comprehensive overview of the issue. (Note: if you decide to print the document, which is available as a PDF, we suggest you do so in black and white--not color.)
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance published Plug Into Electronics Reuse to help expand the reuse infrastructure for electronics. Included in the publication are profiles of 22 model electronics reuse operations in the United States.
When the CIWMB conducted its last significant purchase of computers, steps were taken to reduce waste. See the case study for information on how CIWMB and the vendor worked to reduce waste and properly manage electronic equipment.
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