Electronics Recycling

It seems everyone has a cell phone and home computer these days.  Changes in technology occur quickly creating cheaper, faster and more specialized equipment that consumers demand.  However, concerns about the disposal of older equipment grow as fast as the production of new items.    In fact, the National Recycling Coalition estimates 500 million PCs will become obsolete between 1997 and 2007.    Dealing with the leftovers of our technological advancements have become the hot issue as government and industry struggle to address this growing portion of our waste stream.

The Dangers of Landfilling Electronic Equipment
Various parts of popular electronic devices may contain dangerous heavy metals, including lead, silver, barium, cadmium, chromium and mercury.

• Traditional televisions and computer monitors use cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which have significant amounts of lead.
• Flat screen TVs and monitors contain mercury.
• Printed circuit boards contain primarily plastic and copper, and most have small amounts of chromium, lead solder, nickel, and zinc.
• The batteries that power many electronic products often contain nickel, cadmium, and other heavy metals.
• Relays and switches in electronics, especially older ones, may contain mercury.
• Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury.  (Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain an average of 5 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen.)  

Disposal of these devices in landfills can contaminate soil and water resources leading to  harmful effects in humans, pets and wildlife.   Lead can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood systems and kidneys in humans.   Chronic exposure to mercury causes damage to the brain.   Chromium causes asthmatic bronchitis and strong allergic reactions even in small concentrations and may also cause damage to DNA.   Proper disposal decreases the potential for these harmful side-effects.

To limit the amount of electronic waste in local landfills, CVWMA recommends the following : 

FIRST: Reduce Waste

Purchase durable items that will last longer.  Extend the life of your computer by installing upgrades such as added memory or updated software rather than purchasing new equipment.  Purchase a good monitor; it may last longer than the CPU. Consider leasing a computer so it can be traded in at the end of the lease period. Always use a surge protector power strip with all electronic equipment.  Use refilled ink jet cartridges and recycle empty ones. (Your favorite school or non-profit may even benefit financially by holding cartridge collections!)

THEN: Re-use or Recycle It

When your equipment is no longer of use to you, bring it to one of CVWMA's electronics collections.  Working devices may be refurbished by the contractor and distributed for reuse.* The hard drives of computers will be securely and completely erased for the your protection.    Nonworking or older equipment will be demanufactured into components like plastics and metals for recycling.

CVWMA also collects cell phones at several sites around the region.  Many cell phone retailers will also accept your old phone when you sign up for a new phone.  Cell phones may also be  donated to programs such as Call to Protect, which provide a link to emergency assistance for victims of domestic violence.   

Electronic manufacturers also offer programs for reuse and recycling.  Contact your product's manufacturer to find out what other programs may be available.