ELECTRONIC WASTE (E-WASTE)

ELECTRONIC WASTE (E-WASTE)

Here is some basic information on E-Waste:

1. E-Waste includes a wide variety of items that have electric cords. Some of these items are frequently recycled (such as refrigerators and washing machines). Many smaller items such as toasters, microwave ovens, and computer printers are not easily or cost-effectively repaired. With few recycling options available, they are usually just sent to the landfill when they stop working.

2. Some E-Waste (televisions, computer monitors, and some camcorders) contain Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) CRTs contain large amounts of lead and other materials considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as household hazardous wastes (HHW).

3. Landfills are not allowed to accept items which contain HHW. This means that landfills may not accept computer monitors and televisions.

4. If you wish to dispose of a computer that is working and relatively new (at least a 486), please let Resources Staff try and help you find someone who will take and use it.

5. Items with CRTs which are old and/or not working may be:

Taken to USA Waste (4333 E. Jefferson, Fresno). Call (559) 834-4070 for current cost and directions.
Sent to one of the following computer companies. Visit the web site or call to find out how to do this and what this service costs:

Dell http://www.dell.com/us/en/hied/services/asset_000.htm
(800) 955-3355 Accepts own products for recycling for a fee.

Gateway http://www.gateway.com/home/programs/tradein_recycle.shtml
(800) 428-3929 (consumer services) Gives discount on new Gateway. You have to find someone to accept donation of your old machine.

HP https://warp1.external.hp.com/recycle/automated_orders.asp
Accepts all types of computers for recycling for a fee. No phone number available.

IBM http://www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/products/pcrservice.phtml
1-888-746-7426 Accepts all brands for a fee.

Stored by the current owner until a program or new options become available. (You are invited to have Resources Staff put your name and contact information on our mailing list so we can let you know about additional options as they become available.)

6. A business may bring computer and related equipment (monitors, printers, scanners, copy machines, etc.) to a County HHW Event as a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). The current charge* is $20 per unit.

There is no limit on the number of E-Waste items a business may bring, so long as a CESQG reservation has been made with our contractor and the required CESQG fees are paid. Because CRTs are defined by the State as Universal Waste, the usual transportation limits on HHW do not apply to these items.

Businesses with a large quantity of CRTs and/or computers, or with a need for an ongoing E-Waste disposal program, may wish to look into hiring a private contractor on their own. Resources Staff cannot recommend specific contractors but can make suggestions for finding information on E-Waste management companies.

7. For more information:

If you have any questions about the information provided above, or want to discuss the E-Waste problem in more detail, please contact the Resources Division at (559) 262-4259 or (800) 742-1011 x24259. Our staff welcomes your input and would be glad to speak with you.

If you want information on the regulations for managing CRTs, contact the Department of Toxic Substances Control at (916) 324-8286 or at www.dtsc.ca.gov .

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* Subject to change.