Proper Electronics Recycling?
Technology Upgrades 1 billion + Internet users in million tons of electronics dumped in the U.S. in 2004 U.S. Government trashes ~10,000 computers a week
What happens to all that old technology?
Electronics get dumped!
Why they get exported Cheap Labor No environmental enforcement Strong demand overseas Record high commodities
What Recycles? Computers Laptops Monitors Printers Servers Wires & Cables Keyboards & Mice Cell phones Telephones VCRs & TVs Empty Ink & Toner Cartridges Anything that has commodities
What to look for: 1.Recycle and Recovery 2.Audit and Accountability 3.Certifications 4.Reuse and Remarket 5.Facilities
1. Recycle and Recover Sort and separate materials Recycle 98% of all material collected Domestic Processing
2. Audit and Accountability Complete inventory of all items received Environmental Management System List of Down-Stream Processors
What about “Free Recycling” Ok Sometimes Domestic CRT – Not Free Commodity Off-Set
3. Certifications Ban Pledge – Very Conservative ISO Others
4. Reuse and Remarketing Equipment Sales Equipment Donation The least environmental impact
Sources of Information E-Scrap News Resource Recycling ISRI Internet
Jeremy Farber, COO 4005 Westfax Dr. Chantilly, VA ext 101