Electronic Waste is a Problem. We have a Safe and Fun Solution.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. (CalRecycle).
Harmful Effects of E-waste
According to Green Citizen, “Electronic waste affects nearly every system in the human body because they contain a plethora of toxic components including Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Polybrominated Flame Retardants, Barium and Lithium. Even the plastic casings of electronics products contain Polyvinyl Chloride. The health effects of these toxins on humans include birth defects, brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system damage. They will also significantly affect the nervous and reproductive systems of the human body.
Electronic waste currently constitutes 2 to 5 percent of the US municipal solid waste stream. Carnegie Mellon University has predicted that there are already 70 million computers in our landfills. The average computer screen has five to eight pounds or more of lead representing 40 percent of all the lead in US landfills.
All these toxins are persistent, bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) that create environmental and health risks when computers are incinerated, put in landfills or melted down. When computer monitors and other electronics are burned they create cancer-producing dioxins which are released into the air we breathe. If electronics are thrown in landfills, these toxins may leach into groundwater and affect local resources.”
Live in Central Oregon? Deschutes County has options!
Oregon has enacted legislation providing for proper handling of electronic waste. The law provides free recycling for covered electronic devices (CEDs) and makes it illegal to dispose of CEDs. The law also restricts the disposal of non-covered electronic devices (NCEDs) generated by businesses. NCEDs generated by households are legal to dispose of or can be recycled for a fee at the Knott Recycling Center.
Definitions
CEDs = Covered Electronic Devices are recycled for free per State law. Examples include Computer monitors, CPUs (towers and desktops), Laptops, TVs (tube, projection, flat screen), Printers, Mice, and Keyboards.
NCEDs = Non-Covered Electronic Devices are recyclable for a fee at select locations.
Examples include Cash registers, Cell phones and telephones, Copiers, Disk drives and pc boards, DVD/VHS players, Fax machines, Microwave ovens, Scanners, Speakers and cables, Stereos, and Surge protectors.
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality has solutions!
As taken from their Fact Sheet, “Managing Used Computers and Other Electronic Equipment,” this guide for businesses offers the following solutions:
Reuse: Although used computers and electronic items such as televisions contain toxic and hazardous substances, they can be given another life when reused or recycled. A computer or other electronic device that is fully functional, or can be repaired and used for its intended purpose, is not a waste and therefore not regulated by DEQ.
Recycling: Computers and other electronic devices that are legitimately recycled are not subject to management as hazardous waste. (Please note that businesses may be responsible for environmental damage and hazardous waste requirements when the recycling is not safely performed. Legitimate recycling means dismantling of the computers and other electronic equipment into recyclable components for resource recovery.
Businesses and institutions should store and recycle their used computer monitors and electronic equipment in a manner that will prevent breakage and release of hazardous substances into the environment.
Businesses and institutions may collect and safely transport their own used computers and other electronic equipment to a central location for consolidation prior to reuse or recycling without a solid or hazardous waste transporter’s license or hazardous waste listing.
How about a safe and FUN solution?
Buy and Sell Your Tech at our Big’O Audio Video Garage Sale!
Get ready – 8am, Saturday, July 8th, 2017
Location – 20585 Brinson Blvd, Bend, OR 97701
Hope to see you there!
Follow the sales event here 
