Frequently Asked Questions: E-Waste
Q. What is e-waste?
A. E-waste refers to electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life", for example, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines. Many of these
products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.
Q.What do we do with e-waste?
A. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance. Reuse still-functioning electronic equipment by donating
or selling it to someone. Recycle those components that cannot be repaired. Most electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals, that can be recycled.
Q.What is the Electronic Waste Recycling Act?
A. In 2003, the Electronic Waste Recycling Act established a funding system for the collection and recycling of certain electronic wastes. Key elements of the Electronic Waste
Recycling Act of 2003 include the collection of an electronic waste recycling fee at the retail point of sale of covered products and requirements on manufacturers to provide
consumer information regarding recycling opportunities. The intent of this program is to make recycling options for consumers more convenient so products containing toxic
compounds are disposed of appropriately. For more information on this law and its implementation, please see http://http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Electronics/.
Beginning in 2005, an Electronic Waste Recycling Fee will be assessed on certain "covered" electronic devices sold in California. "Covered" devices include most video display
products, such as computer monitors and televisions. The fee will be collected at the time of retail sale, including Internet and catalog sales, to California consumers and is not
reimbursable to consumers.
Q. What is the 2006 Universal Waste Law?
A. After February 2006, it is illegal for residents and small businesses to dispose of fluorescent lamps, household batteries, and other “Universal Waste” in the trash. Under the
law , “Universal Waste” is defined as batteries, mercury thermostats, fluorescent lights, cathode ray tube devices (computer monitors, televisions), mercury thermometers, and
other products containing mercury or other heavy metals. This list includes:
Electronic devices, such as televisions and computer monitors, computers, printers, VCRs, cell phones, telephones, radios, and microwave ovens. These devices often contain
heavy metals like lead, cadmium, copper, and chromium.
Electrical switches and Relays typically contain about 3.5 grams of mercury each. Mercury switches can be found in some chest freezers, pre-1972 washing machines, sump
pumps, electric space heaters, clothes irons, silent light switches, automobile hood and trunk lights, and ABS brakes.
Pilot light sensors – Mercury-containing switches found in some gas appliances, such as stoves, ovens, clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces and space heaters.
Mercury added novelties - Includes greeting cards that play music when opened, athletic shoes (made before 1997) with flashing lights in soles, and mercury maze games.
For a complete list and more details, please visit the Department of Toxic Substance Control website
Q. Are cathode ray tubes are hazardous waste?
A. Computer monitors and televisions with Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) have been deemed hazardous waste by the California Department of Toxic Substance Control and,
therefore, cannot be disposed of in a landfill. Each CRT contains 5 to 7 pounds of lead, as well as cadmium, silver, gold, and other heavy metals and toxic compounds. Lab
studies have shown the potential for these compounds and elements to leach out of the computer equipment into the landfill’s outflow and cause groundwater contamination.
Q. What is banned from the landfill?
A. Almost any product with a circuit board is now banned from the landfill and considered universal waste and, as such, requires special handling. Like used motor oil and paint,
universal waste is a kind of hazardous waste. It is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage. These products contain toxic substances, such as mercury, lead, and
cadmium. Mercury, released into the environment through the improper disposal of mercury-containing products, is a known neurotoxin.
Q. How do I recycle and dispose of electronic scrap?
A. Since electronic waste is subject to California’s hazardous waste regulations, it must be reused, recycled, or disposed of properly. Please do not put these items in the
garbage or curbside recycling bins. eWaste U.S. is your local solution for recycling e-waste in Los Angeles County.
Q. How do I dispose of my computer, television or other electronic items?
A. Disposing of anything as a hazardous waste is an expensive option, but cannot be avoided if a monitor or television is physically cracked or the glass is broken. If the
computer or television is in good physical shape, but it is not working electronically or it is too slow, then it can be sent to various companies and non-profits for reuse or
recycling. CRT containing products that are donated for continued use are not identified as hazardous waste. PSSI accepts CRT containing products that are dropped off at
their office or will charge a small fee to pick up.
Q. Where can I find computer manufacturer's exchanges, takebacks, and recycling information?
A. Below are a few manufacturers of electronics that have taken the lead to take back their old equipment and/or be involved in the reuse and recycling of their equipment.
Dell Computer Exchange - http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/cr-dell-earth-recycling.aspx
HP Computer Exchange - http://www.hp.com/go/recycle
Gateway Computer Exchange - http://www.gateway.com/gw/en/US/content/recycling
Apple Computer Exchange - http://www.apple.com/environment/
Q. Where can I find additional information?
A. The following websites have more information on this subject: Electronics Recycling Law (2003) Information Page - http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Electronics/
Department Toxic Substance Control - http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/index.cfm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/wastewise/wrr/updates.htm
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