Computers
and Electronic Equipment
Computers
and Televisions Contain Hazardous Materials
Recent studies have determined computers, computer monitors, televisions,
other electronics that contain CRTs (cathode ray tubes), and separated
computer circuit boards contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium
and mercury. These materials do not pose a risk to the users of computers
and televisions, but they do pose an environmental risk when disposed.
These items should be recycled or donated to a charity or school.
Local Programs
Some counties have already banned these materials from being disposed
in landfills. Grays Harbor County currently does accept these electronic
items, but would like to encourage citizens and businesses to recycle
or donate these items instead of sending them to the landfill. Check
with local schools and charities to see if they are looking for donated
items, and also take advantage of www.2good2toss.com
a free option for you to post items you no longer need, including electronic
equipment. You should periodically check back on this web page for updates
about local recycling events or opportunities. Below you will find a
few recycling options in this area.
Techline (www.techline.com)
(360) 533-0343
4th Dimension Computers
(http://4dcomputers.com/)
(360) 357-5169
Thunderbird Computer
Services (360) 413-7105
National Electronic
Product Stewardship Initiative
Many Cities and Counties are working with national manufacturers and
retailers, recyclers, and non-profit groups, to develop plans for a
future national recycling system for these materials, paid for in the
purchase price of new electronic products. If successful, this endeavor,
referred to as the National Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative,
could eliminate the need to charge fees for computers and televisions
when brought in for recycling. However, it will take several years to
put such a system in place state-wide or nationally.
Due to the associated
expenses in the collection, transport, disassembly and processing of
these electronic products, a recycling fee is usually charged at the
private businesses. Customers should call businesses providing recycling
service to check their prices and terms.
Manufacturer
Programs
Some manufacturers provide mail-it-back or other reuse and recycling
programs. These can be found on the Electronic Industry Alliance’s
website at http://www.eiae.org
Dell:
Dell offers consumers a number of services for reusing or recycling
computers and related hardware. Consumers can trade in select used systems
for the current wholesale value, auction used equipment, donate select
equipment to the National Christina foundation, or send in any brand
PC, mouse, keyboard, printer and monitor for recycling. Consumers pay
only the cost of shipping for the recycling service. Go to the website
for details or call 1-800-915-3355. (Note: Dell uses prison labor in
the US to recycle computer equipment. If this is unacceptable to you,
please select a different recycling option.)
Gateway:
The Gateway Recycling Benefit is a rebate program that awards you up
to $50 when you purchase a new Gateway PC and recycle or donate your
old PC. If you are donating your computer, you choose the charity. If
you are recycling, it is up to you to contact the recycling center.
For more information: contact 1-800-GATEWAY, e-mail sales@gateway.com,
or stop by a Gateway Store.
Hewlett-Packard:
HP’s computer hardware recycling service is a simple and environmentally
sound take-back program that offers consumers and business customers
the ability to return any piece of computer hardware from any manufacturer.
The cost of automated, on-line service ranges from $13 to $34 per item,
depending upon the type and quantity of hardware to be returned. Custom
price quotes are also available. You can use an on-line recycling service
order entry tool to approximate the cost of your order beforehand.
IBM:
Through the IBM PC Recycling Service, consumers and small businesses
can recycle any manufacturer’s PCs, including system units, monitors,
printers, and optional attachments for $29.99 which includes shipping.
IBM PC Recycling Service will either recycle the equipment or refurbish
the system and arrange for its donation to Gifts in Kind International
(GIKI). If the computer meets the criteria for donation, the donor will
receive a receipt for potential deduction on their annual federal tax
return up to the amount allowed by law. Customers may purchase the PC
Recycling Service when buying any new IBM PC system. Visit the website
above or purchase the service separately by calling 1-888-SHOP-IBM (746-7426).
Quick reference part number 06p7513.
Department
of Ecology’s Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program
|
