can you throw away lcd monitors free sample
One of the largest recycling problems faced by most countries comes down to the sheer volume of computer electronics that are obsolete and outdated. With technology advances showing no signs of slowing down, it"s no wonder that businesses and home users are constantly upgrading computer monitors.
It"s easy to say that you should be recycling old electronics because it"s the right thing to do. But it"s far more important to understand the fundamental impacts that electronics have on our world when they end up in the trash.
When e-waste like monitors isn"t properly handled at the end of its life, then exposure to the natural elements alone can cause many of the toxic materials to break down and evaporate into the air.
But even modern LCD monitors contain many different metals and chemicals that are perfectly safe when they are contained. But even small amounts of them in the open air canseriously damage animals, plants, and humans.
When monitors and other computer electronics are illegally dumped, or they end up at a landfill, then all those metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can ultimately release due to heat, cold, and moisture exposure.
These are not problems that arise suddenly, and contamination often happens over many years with a gradual accumulation of the toxins. Once there are symptoms, a lot of the damage has often been done, and people can be left with permanent health problems.
OK, now that you know that those old monitors in the garage or basement could be a health hazard and that the right thing to do is to recycle computer monitors, it"s time to go through this simple process.
If there are loose cables still attached, or the monitor is still attached to a computer, then make sure you remove all the cables first. You can recycle these as well, but it"s best to keep them separate.
You need to make sure that you"ll safely carry and transport the monitor. E-waste can easily break, and it might have already deteriorated a bit if it"s been in storage for a long time.
Now is also a good time to check for any other electronic devices like printers, scanners, and DVD players that are just taking up space and never used.
Make sure that your old computer monitors are safely placed in your trunk so that they avoid falling or rolling around. Those external plastics won"t stand up to much force, and you can quickly damage internal components that contain the heavy metals.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, then you can bring your old e-waste to the GreenCitizen recycling facility. The company has years of experience in recycling electronic devices and offers competitive rates.
The recycling process for computers and monitors starts with carefully taking apart the electronics into their individual components. There are plenty of plastics, and then there"s the glass and multiple circuit boards.
If you look at a typical electronics circuit board, there will be a combination of plastics, copper, lead, aluminum, and even precious metals like gold.
Separating these materials requires specialized equipment that breaks them down into a pile of metals and plastic. The metals can then be further separated and recycled as raw materials for the electronics industry.
This is becoming an increasingly important part of protecting the environment. Unfortunately, all electronics from your phone to your computer monitor contain many types of metals that often come from mines in third-world countries.
These mines often operate under devastating conditions for both the environment and the people that work in them. Making sure that the majority of those metals can be recycled from devices reduces the demand for such mining operations.
While some materials in these devices can enter the cycle economy, there are others like lead glass that can"t be reused. These need to be separated and then disposed of at specialist sites using containers that make sure they are sealed indefinitely or until there"s a solution for dealing with it better.
While they might not take care of the overall breakdown of the materials, many of them do offer to take back old computer monitors, printers, hard drives, phones, and laptops for free or a nominal fee.
LGoffers a simple process where you can find a drop-off site near you or mail your monitor in at your own expense. The company accepts all electronics that they manufacture, and they partner with some of the largest recycling companies.
Dellhas created a unique approach in that they offer a drop-off and mail-in service where they accept any brand of products. Whether it"s a Dell computer or old Canon printers, if you can attach it to a computer, they will accept it.
Many major electronics stores now offer a recycling program where you can drop off computers, laptops, TVs, monitors, and anything electrical that you bought there.
Now, it used to be the case that you could recycle a monitor if you bought it at the store and had the receipt or if you were buying a new monitor. But it seems like that wasn"t enough of an incentive, and many stores now allow you to drop off several devices per day even if you didn"t buy them there.
Stapleshave a drop-off point in their stores where you can bring pretty much any old computer equipment for free. This is mainly for consumer products and other electronic devices, but it does exclude large kitchen and household appliances.
Best Buy also has a drop-off program, and this is an ideal option if you have a broken monitor and need to head to Best Buy for a new one. Simply hand over the old one as you head into the store, and you"ve saved yourself a trip.
Walmart is rolling out a new concept called the ecoATM. This will allow you to bring old electronics to a designated ATM and then turn it into cash, depending on the age and state. It"s a great way to see if you have some hidden cash sitting in your basement or garage.
This should be your first option if you have computer monitors that are relatively modern and still in working order. Many charities and Goodwill stores will happily accept electronics that could help out people with little financial means.
Reusing electronics as is without refurbishing or recycling is an ideal choice, especially since there are so many people that can"t afford the latest and greatest in modern technology.
Simply contact a local charity store or Goodwill and provide them with details about your device"s age and specifications, and they"ll quickly let you know whether they"ll accept it.
Not only will you do the right thing for the environment, but you"ll also help someone out to enjoy technology they otherwise might not be able to afford.
If you"re in the San Francisco Bay Area and have some old monitors from personal home use, then GreenCitizen offers a free drop-off service . And the process couldn"t be any easier.
You just need to fill out a form with the details of the monitor and computers before you pack them up. Then call to the drop-off point at the GreenCitizen Burlingame EcoCenter and wait for a member of the team to meet you.
They will then check your free recycling items, and they"ll weigh the fee items. All this only takes a few minutes, and you can pay straight away with the reassurance that the company will properly handle all the electronics.
Not only will GreenCitizen ensure that everything is safely recycled, but they can also provide certification of safe data destruction for any storage devices.
If you"re not within driving distance of GreenCitizen, you can still opt for ourfree and fee recycling program. What you need to do is separate the free to recycle items and place those electronic devices in a separate box.
Then weigh the fee items and fill out the mail-in recycling form. All that"s left is to pay the fee online and receive the shipping instructions. You can then use your preferred shipping company to have your old computer monitors and other equipment sent to the recycling center.
GreenCitizen has created a Green Directoryof recycling service providers around the country with an easy-to-use search function. You simply enter what you need to recycle and what your zip code is, and you"ll receive the nearest company that offers a business collection or drop-off program.
Yes, old CRT monitors can be recycled. In most cases, it"s not possible to reuse them with modern computers, but they contain toxic metals that should end up in the trash or landfill.
No, most municipalities don"t operate a curbside recycling program for your old monitor. Leaving a monitor out in the open can also further damage it, making recycling more difficult.
The penalty for not recycling old computer monitors is different from state to state and county to county. In many cases, it ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars, which should be enough incentive not to throw it in the trash.
Yes, a monitor can store data. This is typically more common with smart TVs, but some monitors also have similar functions that could store login details for streaming services. It"s important that you use a data destruction service for such devices.
The easiest way to get rid of working electronics for free is to drop them off at Goodwill or a charity store. If they are relatively new, then you may also be able to recycle them for free at a local recycling center.
You"d be surprised how many homes still have an ancient CRT monitor somewhere in the basement, and getting rid of such equipment is important to avoid any of the harmful chemicals being released.
I strongly suggest starting your recycling effort with GreenCitizen, and even if they aren"t close enough to deal with your old computer screen, laptop, or other devices, our Green Directory will be able to point you to your closest service.
As technology evolves, you know the importance of upgrades to computer systems, devices and other electronics in order to stay ahead of the competition.
But, as technology advances faster than electronics break down, as a company, you’re tasked with finding a solution to the following question: What do I do with all these electronics I no longer need?
Though it may be tempting to toss the electronics in the trash bin behind your office, that short-sighted decision can lead to long-term ramifications, from detrimental environmental impacts to costly fines.
Whether it’s old gadgets or entire rooms of electronics no longer needed, it’s important to know which pieces you can dispose of yourself in an outside trash or recycling receptacle, and which require proper
While these may be harmless, it makes sense to recycle them. Sometimes, you can even get money for these metals, depending on their form and quantity.
Several other components of electronic equipment, from plastic to glass, can be recycled as well by taking them to county or private recycling facilities.
In California, the term “e-waste” generally refers to consumer and business electronic equipment when it is no longer needed or available to use. It’s important to note that there is no clear definition for e-waste, and that e-waste falls under separate regulations than universal waste. However, if you can plug it in or it includes a circuit board or chip, it is most likely considered e-waste.
Other electronics: Printers, scanners, laptops, keyboards, CD and MP3 players, copiers, telephones, lamps, clocks, flashlights, circuit boards, camcorders, fax machines, cell phones, hair dryers, irons and blenders.
Important reminder: Many electronic products store sensitive data or personal information. Before disposing or recycling equipment, remove any sensitive information from its memory. Deleting files from a computer’s desktop, for example, does not automatically wipe a computer’s memory. If you need assistance, reach out to a software store or other professional who can assist with cleaning off a drive or removing software.
Separating safe electronic components from their toxic counterparts can be extremely difficult without proper training. Attempts at this type of sorting without proper preparation also may prove just as dangerous as tossing these parts in the garbage.
You also may have inexperienced employees unaware of the consequences of discarding e-waste illegally. Companies like Costco, Telecom and Walgreens have not been immune to employee negligence and substantial fines from government regulators.
Understanding what e-waste you can and cannot throw away is important not only for meeting environmental regulations, but for your bottom line and public image as well. Working with a trained e-waste removal team can take these tough decisions out of the hands of your employees, and can safely separate and recycle e-waste for you.
Current state and federal regulations mandate that cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in computer monitors and televisions cannot be disposed of in landfills. However, there are several REUSE & RECYCLING options available to Kern County residents:
• Non-working computer monitors and televisions are accepted at Kern County Disposal sites and Special Waste Facilities (see page 14) for recycling at NO CHARGE.
• Non-working computer monitors and televisions are also accepted for recycling at thrift shops and non-profit organizations such as Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, Bakersfield Association of Retarded Citizens (BARC) and others that have been authorized by the state.
Many common products that we use in our daily lives contain potentially hazardous materials and require special care when disposed of. It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains, or onto the ground. Chemicals in illegally disposed hazardous waste can be released into the environment and contaminate our air, water, and possibly the food we eat. And by throwing hazardous waste in the garbage, you can cause additional hazards to your garbage handler.
Regulations to protect public health and the environment have been changing. This is because we now know that some common items that have traditionally been thrown in your household’s or small business’ trash cannot be safely disposed in landfills. These common items are referred to as hazardous waste, and some of them as “universal waste” (u-waste). As of February 9, 2006, all “u-waste” items are banned from the trash. For additional information on u-waste, please check the Department of Toxics Substances Control (DTSC) Web site.
The bottom line is that we must keep hazardous materials out of the trash by bringing them somewhere to be recycled or safely disposed such as a household hazardous waste collection facility. Check with your local waste management agency to find out where to take these items in your area.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, includes household or office electronic devices in working or non-working condition that are no longer used. E-waste is known to contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which if placed in the landfill, can harm people and the environment. Examples of e-waste include:
Working and non-working electronic devices may be acceptable for donation for reuse or repair. Televisions and computer monitors are accepted for free by many thrift stores and the Miramar Recycling Center. Call your favorite local thrift store, charity or non-profit for information regarding items accepted.
Look up your refuse, recycling and yard waste collection days. Print custom calendars for your home and sign up for telephone, e-mail or calendar reminders.
Some forms of e-waste cost a lot more to safely dispose of, so we now require anyone dropping off those items to help cover the cost of the safe and environmentally-friendly disposal. Details about that items have a surcharge is below. Payments can be made here.
Never has there been something so expensive that decreases in value so quickly: electronics. In 2005 the USEPA estimated that up 1.9 million tons of unused or unwanted electronics were sent to landfills while only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled. By filling up our landfills, large amounts of toxic materials can be released into the environment.
E-waste, or Electronic Waste, is an informal name that can be defined as electronic products and equipment that are near the end of their useful life. This could include computers, televisions, printers, copiers, scanners, VCRS, phones and more. Since there is no clear definition of e-waste sometimes microwave ovens, irons and similar household “appliances” are included in this category. When these products are no longer used or simply unwanted they should be considered for re-purposing, refurbishing or recycling.
Before you even decide to purchase an electronic device or equipment, consider the facts that ultimately will affect recyclability and efficiency of it. One should try to buy equipment with fewer environmental effects that will last longer. To evaluate a potential electronic purchase for green features look for these qualities:
When you decide that you no longer want an electronic device or piece of equipment think before you recycle it! Can it be repurposed in any way? Follow these steps and questions suggested by the USEPA:
There are multiple reasons to recycle e-waste. Most importantly is to preserve our natural resources! Keeping valuable materials from going into the waste stream is prevented by recycling and is essential in maintaining a healthy planet. Also many computer, TV, cell phone manufacturers and electronic retailers offer some kind of take back program. This is another fact to consider before purchasing electronic equipment that could even help you save money.
Waste Management has more than 50 years of experience in handling materials the right way, and we can do the same for obsolete electronics. We’ll not only wipe the data clean, we’ll also identify parts that can be remarketed or recycled to save you and your business money.
Important: By placing unwanted home computers at the curb, you offer identity thieves an opportunity to learn a lot about you. Your account numbers, passwords, and even social security number may be left behind in your electronics where dishonest people can find them. When your computer is taken to be recycled, however, your hard drive can be reformatted and all of your personal information permanently erased.
Upgrade what you have, rather than buying new. Instead of purchasing a new computer, for example, consider upgrading your current one with additional memory or new accessories.
Most computer monitors and televisions contain about five pounds of lead. Computers also contain other elements that, if improperly disposed of, can be environmental hazards (including metals and rechargeable batteries).
NOTE--Regular household alkaline or zinc batteries can be disposed of in the trash. For a fee-based alkaline/zinc battery recycling program, visit: www.thinkgreenfromhome.com/batteries.cfm.
Electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals that can be recovered for recycling. Recycling your waste electronics saves resources because new metals don"t have to be mined.
In addition, electronic devices contain high enough levels of certain materials, such as lead, that render them hazardous waste when disposed. Hazardous wastes cannot be disposed of in the garbage.
Arrange for bulky item curbside pickup with your residential hauling company.For details, visit bulky item collection or contact your garbage hauling company.
Please note: Many of the links below will take you off the TCEQ Web server. This collection is provided solely as a courtesy. Because the TCEQ has no control over the posting of material to the sites on this list, the agency cannot take responsibility for their continued validity and maintenance.
Used electronics may be considered a waste depending on how they are generated and managed. Waste rules can be found in Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), including:
Many companies sell their used electronics or send them to a site to be recycled. The recycler recovers usable parts and whole computers for resale or reuse. Leftover material is then sent to another recycler for further demanufacturing (or disassembly). In this process, used electronics become a waste when the recycler decides that the material cannot be reused, demanufactured, or recycled any further. Regulations vary depending on the type of electronics, but electronics or electronic scrap may have the potential to be classified as a waste if they are:
Some electronics, including mercury switches, circuit boards, batteries, computer monitors, televisions, laptops, cellular phones, computer mice, and smoke detectors could test “hazardous,” when determined to be a waste. Under federal and state rules, hazardous waste is subject to certain handling, recycling, and disposal requirements that can be costly. Among other benefits, sending your electronics for reuse or recycling tends to be a less expensive alternative to paying for the cost of hazardous waste disposal.
Cathode ray tubes (CRTs) are the large, bulky glass tubes in older television sets and computer monitors that are rapidly being replaced by flat-panel displays. CRTs may also be managed as universal waste.
Household Hazardous Waste:Hazardous waste, including electronics, generated by a household is typically referred to as household hazardous waste (HHW). HHW is exempt from hazardous waste regulations. Thus, a single household that generates used electronics is not subject to the hazardous waste permitting or disposal requirements. Most HHW, including electronics, can be placed in your regular trash. However, reusing and recycling used electronics is the best way to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impacts. For more information on HHW and collection programs, please refer to TCEQ HHW Resources.
The site receives more than 50 percent of its recyclable material from external customers (not affiliated with the facility); meaning, it does not pick up or deliver to its own site more than 50 percent of its recyclable material; receives the material for free (no financial compensation of any sort); and can show that the material received can be recycled in an economical manner.
The Texas Recycles Computers and Texas Recycles TVs Programs require computer and TV manufacturers to offer opportunities for consumers to recycle these electronics. Additionally, there are requirements for electronics recyclers under these two programs. Guidance on recycler requirements and links to the rules can be found on the following webpages:
Recycling operations that include grinding or shredding materials require authorizations under a permit by rule (PBR). A list of all keyword PBRs including grinding metal, soldering, or extruding plastics can be found in the Keyword Index to Permits by Rule. For more information on obtaining an air authorizations, please refer to the following webpages:
You can return unwanted electronics to manufacturers for recycling or disposal for free. Electronic manufacturers, such as Samsung, Sony, or Toshiba, must accept electronics from residents at no cost. Cell phones can also be dropped off at any store that sells service plans.
You can find more information about recycling electronics at the store where you purchased the item or at any store that sells the item. You can also call the manufacturer or check your brand"s website.
The Oregon E-Cycles law makes it is illegal to throw away televisions, computers (including laptops and tablets), monitors, printers, keyboards, and mice. For an extensive list of free locations to recycle these items visit https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ecycles/Pages/default.aspx.
Customers with more than 7 of these items may contact an electronics recycler such as Garten Services (503-581-4472). Garten Services erases the information on the hard drives to the Department of Defense"s standards and will reuse them if possible. For a fee, they can provide a document of destruction. Call 503-581-4472 for more information. For information on how to avoid data theft and instructions on how to obliterate your hard drive, visit the Department of Environmental Quality"s website: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ecycles/Pages/default.aspx
Electronics are accepted for free at Marion County facilities, however under the Oregon E-Cycles Program, the Salem-Keizer & North Marion Recycling & Transfer stations only accept up to seven laptops, monitors, CPUs or televisions per customer per day for free drop-off.
law concerning the recycling of household electronics. Under the e-waste law, residents will have convenient and free opportunities for recycling their computers, monitors, printers, and televisions. It requires manufacturers to finance the transportation and recycling of these electronics, and retailers to provide the consumer with recycling information. It also requires recyclers of electronic to be approved by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). For more information on the e-waste law, please visit our Connecticut E-Waste Recycling Law web page.
Televisions, desktop and portable computers, computer monitors, and printers generated by households. Collectively, these are called Covered Electronic Devices or “CEDs”. CEDs include certain tablets, e-readers, or phones with a video display greater than 4 inches. E-waste from non-residential sources (commercial, governmental, retail, etc.) is regulated under current federal and state hazardous waste and solid waste laws.
Connecticut residents will be able to recycle their CEDs at no cost by delivering them to convenient and accessible collections designated by their municipality. State approved electronics recyclers will then pick up CEDs generated by households from the various collection points. The recyclers will sort the computers and monitors by manufacturer and submit a bill to the responsible manufacturer for the cost of transporting and recycling those CEDs with the manufacturer"s brand name on them. Television manufacturers will pay a percentage of the total cost of recycling televisions equivalent to their market share. Recyclers will then submit bills to manufacturers for covered costs.
When developing recycling programs, it’s best to start with the “low hanging fruit”, or the easiest materials to collect, or the most that is generated. For example, residential programs collect bottles and cans and newspapers for recycling because they are easy to identify, have strong markets and are generated in most households. "Covered Electronic Devices" which include televisions, computers, monitors and printers, are the "low hanging fruit" of electronic waste. As new products are developed that fit within this category (such as game consoles), it is possible they may also fall under this law.
At some point the law may be expanded to include other e-waste items, but at this time the recycling of these items is not included. Most recyclers will accept VCRs, DVD players and other devices at a collection. Municipalities that wish to include them for recycling will have to arrange for them separately. Depending on the type of electronic device or its condition, you may find that the item has a reuse value, or there may be other reuse options. Visit the "What Do I Do With...?" web page for an "A to Z" resident"s management guide for those not-so-common household items. The list includes a range of items from hearing aids and light bulbs to batteries and cell phones - and more.
See a list of approved CED drop-off locations for Connecticut residents. You may also contactyour town. Contact your local recycling coordinator or local Department of Public Works.
With identity theft a growing problem, you may have some reservations about donating or recycling your computer. While legitimate computer recyclers take measures to secure and erase the data on the computers they resell or recycle, you may take greater comfort in erasing the data before you drop it off. You may think that simply deleting a file means that file is gone. But in fact the file can easily be recovered. In order to erase a drive so that no data can be recovered, you need to rewrite over the file a number of times. There are free software downloads such as Cybercide, Eraser, DeleteonClick, or KillDisk, that will permanently erase the data on your hard drive by overwriting. You can also purchase more advanced software for enhanced data security. Under the CT e-waste law, approved electronics recyclers must secure hard drives until such point they are physically destroyed for recycling such as by shredding or smelting. The Federal Electronics Challenge has more end-of-life management resourceson their website.
Yes. Under the state recycling program, approved recyclers are required to establish data security practices. They must secure hard drives until such point they are physically destroyed for recycling such as by shredding or smelting. If they intend to reuse or resell the computer, they must erase the hard drive to a Department of Defense standard. If you wish to recycle your computer but are concerned about data security, either erase the data yourself or ask the recycler about their procedures for erasing.
No. The law does not regulate contractual agreements involving CEDs or non-CEDs between municipalities, CERs and partners of CERs or manufacturers. However, the law does include provisions for keeping reimbursement prices competitive and the law is not intended to be a revenue generator for municipalities. DEEP will continue to scrutinize the unit prices submitted in applications to become a CER to ensure competitive market pricing. If unit prices are too high, the applicant risks denial of its application.
Target’s Electronics Trade-in service, offered in partnership with NextWorth, provides a Target GiftCard when you trade in your used small electronics. Ask your local Target store if it participates and for details of the program. You can also deal directly with NextWorth to recycle by mail and get paid for your product.
The purpose of this Guidance Document is to provide guidance on the correct procedures for disposal of electronics which include televisions, radios, mp3-players, DVD & Blue-Ray players, video game consoles, and many others including tablet, laptop and PC computers and monitors with Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs). Some electronic equipment contains enough heavy metals, such as lead, to be considered hazardous waste if disposed. For example, lead in color CRTs causes these CRTs to exhibit a characteristic of hazardous waste.Title 128 – Nebraska Hazardous Waste Regulationsis the primary source of regulatory guidance for waste electronics and computers disposal.
Waste electronics generated fromhouseholdsare not regulated as hazardous waste. Federal and State regulations specifically exclude waste generated at households from hazardous waste regulation. This means that your household E-waste could be legally disposed of in your local landfill. However, advances in recycling technology have pushed our electronics to be more recyclable consumables rather than the waste they used to be. The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) therefore encourages, but does not require, households to recycle or reuse their electronics and computers rather than dispose of them in the trash.
Have a refurbisher resell, refurbish, or use for parts. Some big box stores now accept E-waste for disposal and some small businesses like your local computer repair shop will accept items that can be repaired and resold.
Computers, monitors, and other electronic items sent to a legitimate refurbisher as a “still usable product” to be “kept in continued use” as the original products are not considered waste. The equipment does not necessarily have to be in working condition to be considered a “still usable product.” The refurbisher must be qualified to work on the equipment and is generally responsible for the disposition of the resulting material. The resulting material may be fully functioning computers or equipment, reusable parts, scrap metal, other non-hazardous scrap such as plastic, or waste. Any wastes generated from refurbishing operations are generally the responsibility of the refurbisher.
Manage disposal of computer equipment and other electronic devices so thatno more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) oftotalhazardous wastewill be generatedfrom your facility during any given calendarmonth. For example, phase out old computer systems over time to avoid excess disposal in any one month. This can assist in keeping non-households in CESQG status. Another thing to consider is that a CESQG is only allowed to dispose of up to 19.5 kg (43 lbs) of hazardous wasteper day. This is especially tricky as some large CRT monitors may exceed that weight limit by themselves.
Excess computer equipment and other electronic items should be re-used to the extent possible. Electronic equipment that is given away or soldas usableisnota solid waste. Electronic equipment that is sent to a legitimate refurbisheras still usableto be keptin continued useisnota solid waste. If the electronic equipment cannot be re-used within your agency, department, or company; property managers should attempt to place the equipment with a user or legitimate refurbisher. Always follow internal property accounting procedures. The following are examples of such placement:
Disposal Considerations:If the computer equipment or other electronic items cannot be re-used, sent to a legitimate refurbisher, returned to the manufacturer, or is unserviceable, there are several disposal considerations.
Replacement of computer equipment and other electronic items for your individual facilities should be scheduled so that the equipment to be disposed (not re-used or refurbished) will not cause the conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) limit of 100 kg (220 lbs) per month of hazardous waste to be exceeded.Totalaccumulatedhazardous waste to include CRTs or other hazardous waste electronic items must not exceed 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) for the waste to be considered as CESQG waste.
The monitor or CRT and some other electronic items can contain materials that cause it to be hazardous waste if disposed.(See Attachments 1 or 2 for a list of electronic items that are considered to exhibit hazardous waste characteristics. Other electronic items are not considered to exhibit hazardous waste characteristics as of the date of this publication unless there is evidence to indicate hazardous waste toxicity characteristics are present. Such evidence could be a MSDS or manufacturer’s literature.)
A CRT isnotconsidered scrap metal. The monitor with the CRT cannot be considered scrap metal either. Even though the monitor does have some electronic components with potential scrap value, considering the entire assembly with the CRT as scrap metal is considered sham recycling in most instances. The NDEE recommends that only qualified technicians dismantle monitors. There are inherent risks involved with electrical shock. Other hazardous waste electronic items might be eligible to be considered scrap metal (e.g., some laptop computers, hard drives, etc.).
Disposal of hazardous waste electronic equipment as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) of hazardous waste.See the discussion of the CESQG exclusion in the Hazardous Waste Background Information section. CESQG CRT and other hazardous waste electronic item waste should be handled in a manner that is sensitive to environmental concerns. This means that, while not required, CESQG CRT and hazardous waste electronic item waste should be transported to a recycling facility when possible. See the NDEE Guidance Document –Waste Service Providers Directoryfor a listing that includes recycling facilities. This document is on the NDEE web site and can also be obtained by calling the NDEE Waste Management Section at (402) 471-4210 or the Waste Section Environmental Assistance Coordinator at (402) 471-8308.
Disposal of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) as excluded hazardous waste.As described in the Hazardous Waste Background Information section on exclusions and exemptions, materials arenotsolid wastes when used or reused as effective substitutes for commercial products. As of the date of this Guidance Document, there is at least one known secondary lead smelter that can take CRTs as flux for their smelting process. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has deemed this process and the exclusion as a valid use of a commercial product. The smelter is the Doe Run Company. Contact information is as follows: The Doe Run Company, Buick Resource Recycling Division, 18594 Highway KK, Boss, MO 65440-9501. Phone: (800) 633-8566.
Computer equipment and other electronic itemshave constituents that can cause them to be hazardous waste.(See Attachments 1 or 2 for a list of electronic items that the department considers to exhibit hazardous waste characteristics. Other electronic items are not considered to exhibit hazardous waste characteristics as of the date of this publication unless there is evidence to indicate hazardous waste toxicity characteristics are present at or above regulatory limits. Such evidence could be a MSDS or manufacturer literature.)However, they can usually be managed either asrefurbishableproducts orscrap metaland be excluded from hazardous waste regulation so long as the scrap metal is not speculatively accumulated. The circuit boards in the electronic items can also be separately managed as usable parts or scrap metal once removed from the equipment.
Record the number and weight of hazardous waste electronic items on hand as scrap at the beginning and end of each calendar year. This will provide you documentation to refute speculative accumulation.
Method 4: Electronic items that exhibit the characteristic of hazardous waste may be managed asuniversal wastein Nebraska. See Title 128, Chapter 25. If such items are managed as universal waste, theydo not count as hazardous waste to the generator. If you manage electronic items as universal waste you are asmall quantityhandlerof universal wasteso long as the total amount of all universal waste accumulated at any time remains below 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs).
Electronic Item: Electronic equipment that contains one or more electronic boards or other complex circuitry, including but not limited to computer monitors, televisions, central processing units (CPUs), laptop computers, tablet computers, printers, terminals, keyboards, mainframes, stereo equipment, telephones, video game consoles, and audio/video recording/playback devices. Electronic items include components and subassemblies or other parts derived from the disassembly of electronic devices. While many waste electronic items do not fail the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test for heavy metals if left intact, individual components generated by disassembly may fail the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test. “Electronic items” does not include discarded household appliances as defined by Title 132 –Integrated Solid Waste Management Regulations, Chapter 1, §034.
Scrap Metal: Bits and pieces of metal parts or metal pieces that may be combined with bolts or soldering, which when worn or superfluous can be recycled.
Sham Recycling: Illegitimate activities done under the guise of recycling in order to be exempt from hazardous waste regulation or be subject to lesser regulation. This can include situations when a secondary material is ineffective or only marginally effective for the claimed use, when the secondary material is used in excess of the amount necessary, or when the secondary material is handled in a manner inconsistent with its use as a raw material or commercial substitute.
Speculative Accumulation: A material is accumulated speculatively if it has no viable market or if the person accumulating the material cannot demonstrate that at least 75% of the material is recycled in a calendar year that begins on January 1. Under current regulations this only applies to materials that can be hazardous wastes.
Determine if the wasteexhibits a characteristic of hazardous wasteas described by Title 128, Chapter 3 eitherby testingorapplying knowledge of the characteristicin light of the materials or processes used. Note that if knowledge of process is used for the hazardous waste determination you are responsible for being correct.
Materials arenotsolid wastes when used or reused as effective substitutes for commercial products. If a material is not a solid waste, it cannot be a hazardous waste.
Unless the cathode ray tube (CRT) or other known hazardous waste electronic items can be proven to be non-hazardous waste, it must be considered hazardous waste unless excluded under the used cathode ray tube exclusion (see immediately below).
Hazardous waste from a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG) may be placed in a municipal solid waste landfill at a maximum rate of 19.5 kg (43 lbs) per day in Nebraska. Approximate weights of monitors are at page two of this Guidance Document. Although hazardous waste generated from a CESQG is considered a special waste, it does not require approval by NDEE prior to disposal in a landfill. However, local governments may restrict such waste. Contact your county and municipal waste agency for confirmation and always obtain the landfill’s prior approval.
Unless the cathode ray tube (CRT) or other known hazardous waste electronic items can be proven to be non-hazardous waste or excluded hazardous waste, it must be considered hazardous waste.
Working or presumed working monitors or other electronic items sent to a legitimate refurbisher are still considered to be in continuous use and are not a solid waste. Note that legitimate refurbishment is not an issue if the electronic items in question do not exhibit any hazardous waste characteristics. Some will choose to manage all their excess electronic items as refurbishable and if the following considerations are met, then the items will not be solid waste and hence cannot be a hazardous waste.
The refurbisher must have a system, process, or operation in place that maintains a meaningful percentage of the monitors or other electronic items in continued use. For example, a meaningful number of the monitors or TVs are resold as operating devices, are donated to charitable organizations as operating devices, or are rebuilt or upgraded as operating devices. The department understands that market conditions can dramatically influence the actual number of otherwise hazardous waste electronic items that are kept in continued use.
The refurbisher must have the technical expertise and capability to determine if the monitors/TVs they receive can be kept in or returned to continued use.
The monitors or other electronic items must be handled in a manner consistent with their continuing use as a monitor or electronic product. For example, storage of an open pallet of laptop computers in an open outside lot is not how usable laptop computers are stored and is indicative of sham refurbishing.
The refurbisher should not accept monitors or other electronic items that are obviously unable to be kept in or returned to continued use. For example, monitors with broken CRTs or shipments of crushed laptop computers are obviously unable to be kept in continued service. However, the presence of incidental breakage during shipment is not prima facie evidence that the monitor or electronic item was not intended for legitimate continued use. Similarly, the monitor or other electronic item does not necessarily need to be operative in order to be considered able to be kept in continued use. Legitimate refurbishmentincludes repairof the electronic equipment that is received. For example, routine acceptance of monitors and TVs withbroken CRTsdemonstrates the refurbishment operation is being used as a sham for disposal of CRTs.
Legitimate refurbishment includes facilities that accept monitors or other electronic items forrebuilding. Rebuilding has the intent of keeping the device in continued use. Accepting obviously broken monitors or other electronic items as described above would be evidence of sham recycling.
We encourage you to find someone who can use your working electronics before recycling them, to reduce your environmental impact. Reusing an item saves about 20 times as much energy as recycling it.Materials like rare earth metals are lost in the electronics recycling process. See our suggestions for reuse in the sidebar.
To schedule pick-up, contact Waste Management at 1 (800) 592-9995 or pnwrsservices@wm.com at least one business day before your collection day. On collection day, place all electronics two feet from your blue recycling cart. Put smaller electronics in a clear plastic bag.
Residents and businesses with fewer than 50 employees can recycle electronics through E-Cycle Washington for free. Selected electronics can be recycled year-round through E-Cycle Washington, including:
This location accepts up to 10 televisions, monitors, computers and laptops per donor, per day. Note that Goodwill is receiving a high volume of donations, so there may be a long wait.
Effective September 1, 2010, many electronics are banned from Wisconsin landfills. City crews will NOT pick up, and no one may put any of the banned items in the trash. There are a variety of locations that accept different electronics. Some stores may take your old electronics if you are purchasing a new item. Many cell phone stores, for example, offer recycling programs for old phones.
It is illegal in Oregon to dispose of computers, monitors and TVs in the garbage or at disposal sites such as landfills, incinerators and transfer stations. Anyone knowingly disposing of these items can be fined.
Don"t place computers, monitors and TVs in your trash, recycling bin or place them at the curb. These items require special handling and cannot be collected via your regular curbside service.
Disposal sites cannot accept computers, monitors and TVs for disposal. A recycling depot located at a landfill, transfer station or other site may accept them for recycling. Check with the facility first.
Oregon E-Cycles provides free recycling of computers, monitors and TVs. Anyone can bring seven or fewer computers, monitors and TVs at a time to participating Oregon E-Cycles collectors for free recycling.