E-Waste

Fact:
According to the EPA, consumer electronics make up about 2% of the solid waste stream.  That equals about 2.5 million tons of electronics discarded in 2007. Of that 2.5 million tons, only 18% of TVs and computers were recycled and only 10% of cell phones were recycled.

What is “E-waste?”
E-waste, or electronic waste, can be loosely defined as consumer and business electronic equipment that is being discarded or is near/at the end of its useful life.

Why is it important to reuse or recycle electronics?
It is important for electronics to be recycled or reused because they contain substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and PCBs which are extremely hazardous to our environment and our health. Recycling electronics also helps the environment by conserving natural resources, avoiding air and water pollution, and cutting back on greenhouse gases that would have been produced by manufacturing a new product. While there are bad substances, the electronics also contain metals, plastics, and glass which would have otherwise used a lot of energy to mine or produce.

What electronics can be recycled?
Basically anything that can be plugged in.
Computers – CPU’s and laptops, main frames, peripherals
Monitors – CRT’s and flat screens
Telephones, Cell phones and Telephone systems
Fax Machines and Central Office Equipment
Printers and Copiers
Banking and Financial Equipment
Medical Equipment
Rechargeable batteries
Electronic Circuit boards and components
Stereo Equipment, Games, PDA’s
Televisions

 

 

Where can I recycle my electronics?
If you are a student on campus, you can drop off batteries and small electronics such as MP3 players, PDAs, and cell phones to our Sullivan site at 620 Motor Pool Dr. Larger electronics can be taken to the Wake County Landfill. Click here for more information about what they accept and their hours. If you are a faculty or staff member, you can contact surplus to recycle any NCSU electronics. Aside from accepting the electronics for recycling, NCSU also holds e-waste events where anyone can bring their electronics to be recycled for free ($5 for TVs). These events are usually held in November and March. Check the website for updates.

The City of Raleigh will collect computers and their parts for free. Click here for more information about how to make an appointment and what they accept. The site also gives a list of charitable organizations that you can donate your computer to.

The EPA has also started a “Plug into eCycling” program to promote electronics recycling. As part of this, a TV recycling challenge has been created for manufacturers of televisions. Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba have all agreed to accept used TVs for free at certain locations. Click here for more information about the program and for a list of locations.

If the item is still in working condition, try using craigslist.com or freecycle.com to sell or give away the item.

Resources:
Wikipedia on Electronic Waste
EPA eCycling
EPA TV Recycling Challenge
NC Dept. Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
Wake County Landfill
City of Raleigh Electronics Recycling