Most electronic consumers in the United States do not realize the effects that e-waste has on our environment once these products reach the end of their working life.  Today most companies, organizations and common households put electronics out with regular garbage for dumping in the local landfill.  However the same people will also take time to collect tin cans or newspapers for the local recycler to process.  Why one and not the other?  Most people just don’t know.

What items are considered to be "electronics?"

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) from the EPA:  Televisions, monitors, computers, computer peripherals, audio and stereo equipment, VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, telephones, fax and copying machines, cellular phones, wireless devices, and video game consoles are primary examples of "electronics".

Why prevent electronics from entering the landfill?

Some components of these electronic devices contain constituents that if improperly handled could be harmful to the environment. Certain components contain small amounts of regulated heavy metals, including lead, silver, barium, cadmium and mercury. Many of these metals can be recovered and recycled by de-manufacturing and recycling of electronic devices.

Why reuse or recycle outdated computer and electronic equipment?

It is estimated that computer and electronic equipment is approximately one percent of the annual 209,700,000 tons of solid waste generated in the United States, and it is estimated that the total volume of computer and electronic equipment recycled in the U.S. was approximately 134,000 tons in 1998.

What are the outcomes if we dispose of electronics improperly?

NOTICE OF VIOLATION of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Failure to correct the alleged violations cited required by this NOTICE, may result in the assessment of penalties, not to exceed $27,500 per violation pursuant to Section 3008 of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, 42 U.S.C. § 6928.