Many Americans continue to put their old, unwanted cell phones, computers, printers, fax machines, batteries and so on into the regular garbage, not realizing there are a growing number of better alternatives for recycling. That’s a shame, because this so-called “e-waste” (for electronics waste) contains toxic — and valuable — materials.
Only a handful of states currently have e-waste recycling laws, and even some of those that do aren’t necessarily well equipped to enforce them. Therefore, it’s not surprising that surveys show only 21% of consumers recycle electronics. According to Greenpeace, 20 to 50 million tons of e-waste is discarded around the planet every year. If you loaded all that used product into train cars it would stretch around the entire planet!
E-waste is the fastest growing component of the municipal solid waste stream, and makes up five percent of all municipal solid waste. This is a concern, because electronics can contain toxic lead and other heavy metals (cadmium, manganese, nickel, lithium and sometimes even mercury), as well as bromates, pthalates and PVC. E-waste can break down into a toxic witches’ brew, which can leak into ground and surface waters if the material ends up as litter or in improperly lined landfills.
Plus, much of the components of e-waste are readily reusable. That means less energy (and carbon emissions) will be needed for manufacturing, mining and processing. Steven Sams, vice president of IBM’s Site and Facilities Services, explains that his company takes back 40,000 pieces of equipment from customers every week. “We refurbish 80% of that for reuse around the world, and break down and recycle all but about 1% of the rest,” says Sams.
There’s likely to be an even greater need for e-waste recycling in coming months, as the pace of consumer technology development continues to accelerate, more people get cell phones (which only last an average of 18 months), gaming systems continue their rise in popularity, and the February 2009 switch to all-digital TV signals encourages people to purchase new sets.
So, how do consumers get on the electronics recycling bandwagon? It’s much easier than you might think! Simply go to Earth 911 and type in your zip code or city and state and what you want to recycle, and you should get a handy list of drop-off locations, with links to learn more. Earth 911 also is a good place to find general info on recycling trends and how-to’s. Other good resources include E-cycling Central and eRecycle.org.
You can also check out this article on how to recycle used electronics by brand. For example, red-hot Apple now offers a free U.S. recycling program for old computers and monitors — with the purchase of a new Mac. Visit any Apple retail store and turn in an old iPod for free recycling – you even get 10% off a new purchase.
Dell is also leading the sector with some innovative take-back programs. Donate any working computer equipment to Dell’s partners at the National Cristina Foundation, and it will find worthy reuse for those in need (you can get a tax deduction, too). Recycle any Dell products with the company for free at any time, and get free recycling of any other brands when you buy new Dell stuff. Other companies have similar programs now, from HP to Gateway and more.
Visit your local Best Buy if you need to drop off inkjet cartridges, cell phones and batteries for recycling. It’s free and easy! You can also ask about periodic recycling drives the company sponsors for larger equipment, as well as the store’s home pick-up service for up to two old appliances (that costs $100)
Environmental Magazine