1. Computer Recovery Project Developing a Network For Change Product Stewardship and Electronics Recycling

2. The Problem In 1999, tests were done on cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in monitors. Determined most contain lead in quantities that designate as a hazardous waste. Illustration Courtesy Seattle Public Utilities

3. The Problem Most monitors were being disposed in the garbage. Shortage of reuse and recycling options for used electronics in King County No local infrastructure for recycling broken computer monitors for residents and small businesses.

4. Project Goals Follow Product Stewardship Principles Share the responsibility for the management of used electronics equipment among industry, government and consumers. Promote product stewardship through technical assistance, education, market development, and coordination.

5. Pilot Project King County organized a network of businesses and organizations that agreed to accept used computer equipment for reuse and/or recycling. Total Reclaim expanded their recycling services to take computer monitors. July - October 2000

6. Repair, Resale, Recycling The Network

7. Charity Organizations

8. Pilot Project 34 locations participated in the pilot project. 14 locations agreed to accept broken monitors. Public brought used equipment to collection sites. Customers were charged a $10 fee to recycle broken monitors.

9. Collection Total Reclaim collected broken monitors from network members.

10. Disassembly Monitors were dismantled into glass, plastic and metal parts. CRTs transported to smelter or glass- to-glass recycling facility.

11. Publicity Newspaper and television coverage Paid radio ads Newsletters and trade journals Brochures, posters, website, phone line King County publicized the network.

12. Program Materials Brochures distributed by 80 computer retail stores and public agencies.

13. Pilot Project Results Government organized project, provided technical assistance and promoted network services. Industry provided collection sites and recycling services. Retailers publicized the program. Consumers paid recycling fee. Shared Responsibility

14. Pilot Project Results 6,200 broken monitors were recycled. Network members elected to continue providing services.

15. Computer Recovery Project Ongoing Program: Jan 2001 - Dec 2002 Recruit new members Annual renewal - sign Agreement with program participants identifying roles and responsibilities. Reprint brochure with new listings. Continue program promotion.

16. Computer Recovery Project Lisa Sepanski King County Solid Waste Division 201 S. Jackson St. Seattle, WA 98104 206-296-4489 Lisa.Sepanski@metrokc.gov