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What to do with waste electronic and electrical products

What are the concerns? What are the regulations? Alternatives to disposal For more information

Electronic and electrical products surround us — from computers, televisions and stereo equipment, to small appliances like irons and cellular phones. Huge numbers of these products wear out or become obsolete, creating a challenge for their safe disposal.

Some components in most electronic products contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. These toxics are not a problem when consumers use these products, but they can create environmental problems if they are thrown away with other household garbage.

Fortunately, environmentally preferable disposal options for old electronic and electrical goods, including recycling and reuse, are becoming increasingly available to businesses and households in Minnesota.

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Why should we be concerned about old electronic equipment?

There are more and more waste electronic products. In 1998 alone, an estimated 35 million personal computers were sold in the U.S. Another 20.6 million PCs became obsolete.

Electronic and electrical products may contain hazardous or toxic materials which can cause an environmental problem if discarded in the trash.

• Computer monitors and televisions are hazardous because they contain significant amounts of lead.
• Printed circuit boards contain hazardous metals such as lead, chromium, cadmium and mercury, with significant variation depending on the board.
• Batteries in electronic and electrical products may contain lead, mercury and cadmium.
• Mercury-containing components like switches and relays are found in some electronic and electrical products.
• PCBs may be found in televisions and computers made before the early 1980s.

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Regulations for managing electronic equipment

Minnesota law prohibits households and businesses from disposing of most rechargeable batteries and all mercury-containing components in municipal trash.

• Households

  As of July 1, 2006, Minnesota residents will no longer be able to put electronic products containing a cathode ray tube (CRT) in the trash, including most televisions and computer monitors.

  In general, household electronics should be managed responsibly, even in small quantities, and that means keeping them out of the garbage. Residents can take advantage of local recycling opportunities. Many communities sponsor collection events which accept electronic appliances.

  For consumer opportunities to recycle used electronic products, check the OEA's list of recyclers.

• Businesses and institutions

  Businesses and institutions in Minnesota must manage electronic devices and components in a manner consistent with state and federal law. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency does not require businesses and institutions to comply with most of the requirements of the hazardous waste rules if their electronic wastes are safely stored and properly recycled or disposed.
  
  Business responsibilities for managing e-waste are addressed in the MPCA's fact sheet, Managing Electronic Wastes from Business Sources (80Kb).
  
  Generators of e-waste in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area should check with their county environmental programs for additional requirements that may apply at the county level.
  

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What to do? Alternatives to disposal.

There are alternatives for managing your unwanted electronics. Review the options below to find one convenient for you.

Prevent and reduce waste

• Lease equipment. Users do not assume ownership of the product in a lease arrangement. When it's time to upgrade to a newer product, the old unit is returned to the vendor, often for a credit toward a future purchase. When acquiring new computer equipment, ask and learn about lease options.
• Avoid "gadgets." Electronic versions of traditional household appliances and tools may not actually be an improvement, may be more costly, and may wear out faster.
• Identify durable products. When shopping for electronic and electrical items, review the product's repair history and consumer reliability ratings.
• Repair instead of replace. Repairing an electronic or electrical item may be cheaper than replacing it.
• Buy upgradeable gear. Some products can be upgraded by replacing a single component instead of the entire unit. This saves money and reduces waste.

Reuse or re-sell

• Resale. Working electronic and electrical items may still have life left in them. Several firms in Minnesota specialize in buying and selling used computers. Non-working or older items may also have value for parts, which could be used for repair.
• Donations. Schools, non-profits, and charitable organizations often accept working electronic and electrical goods. Donations may be tax-deductible.
  • Minnesota Computers for Schools accepts working equipment from businesses—monitors, computers (Pentium III and higher), laptops (Pentium II and higher), and peripherals. Call 651-779-2816.
  • Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota accepts working computers (Pentium or higher) and peripherals such as printers. They cannot take computer monitors or televisions. Call 651-646-2591 for the nearest location.
• Dealer or manufacturer takeback. Some dealers, retailers or manufacturers will take back old equipment when new equipment is purchased. Ask your dealer or manufacturer about programs to accept old equipment for resale or recycling.

Recycle

Recycling old electronic equipment keeps hazardous materials out of waste and makes it possible to recover resources. Recyclers typically disassemble units, salvage reusable parts, and send materials to final processors. Most recyclers charge a fee.

Several businesses in Minnesota specialize in recycling old electronic or electrical appliances. These recyclers may accept materials from households. Ask if they accept the electronic item(s) you wish to recycle.

A growing list of electronics recyclers is online: www.moea.state.mn.us/plugin/recyclers-household.cfm.

For additional assistance, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at 651-296-6300 or 800-657-3864 toll free.

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For more information

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) can answer questions about proper management of waste electronic goods and recycling of other materials in the state.
phone: 651-296-6300 or 800-657-3864 toll free
Web site: www.pca.state.mn.us

Minnesota residents interested in recycling electronic and electrical products may also contact their county solid waste office.

Last update June 2006