Recycle Your Electronics

Why?
Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) from television and computer monitors were prohibited from all Massachusetts solid waste disposal facilities effective April 1, 2000. Read more at MA Department of Environmental Protection website.

“The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that people threw away 2.5 million tons of electronic equipment, known as e-waste, last year, about 10 percent of which was recycled. While federal law regulates the disposal of electronics by businesses and government agencies, it does not affect individual consumers, who account for more than half the e-waste produced annually, according to the federal agency.

Every old computer monitor contains about four pounds of lead, and other parts are filled with heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, cadmium and chromium. They have toxins that hover in the air after incineration or leach into the water supply when buried in landfills.” Read entire New York Times Article

How?
eCycle.com – managed by the US EPA, has many links to different donation, recycling and trade-in programs.

A number of Original Equipment Manufacturers—including Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, and Micron—offer leasing and take back services to help companies decrease the waste stream.

Toshiba’s trade-in program allows you to trade in any manufacturer’s computer and/or electronics and, depending on the condition of the item, get money back. According to their website calculator, my cell phone is worth $33.99 and the Earthwatch laptop I am currently typing on would garner $128.70.

However, HP had a better deal, they offered me $262.65 for the laptop (although I might not have been completely accurate with the components – what in the world is a NIC anyway?). They, however, do not take cell phones.

Where?
Massachusetts Earth911 – search their database to find out how to recycle in your community
eCycling - comprehensive directory of computer donation, recycling and trade-in programs.
Share the Technology - get rid of your old equipment, snag a tax deduction, and help cool non-profits.

Tell me more!
Check out GreenBiz’s article on recycling computers in the workplace.
Find and buy Environmentally Friendly electronics
Green Gadgets for the Holidays
Union of Concerned Scientists—The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels
Gaiam—Eco Gadgets and Toys
Earth 911—Electronics and Battery Recycling

Content updated by Tina Woolston
twoolston@earthwatch.org
Earthwatch Institute

Photograph © Diane Troppoli