Managing Electronic Waste
Electronics are a growing part of daily living. What began with radios and televisions has rapidly expanded to include cell phones, computers, office machinery, personal gaming equipment, hand-held reading devices and more. New, smaller, more powerful electronic gadgets are being developed every day, making devices we just acquired seem obsolete. These products--especially older products--contain materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and polybrominated flame-retardants that are used to make electronics more energy-efficient and safe for the user, but a potential public health and environmental concern when disposed. The majority of electronic waste being disposed in landfills comes from small businesses and households. When electronic waste is deemed hazardous, larger waste generators in Michigan are not allowed to dispose of it in municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators. It is unclear how much material is being disposed, but it is believed that many electronics that cannot be used are being stored in basements, attics, garages, closets, storerooms, and warehouses. As they sit in storage, they become less and less valuable for reuse and cannot be harvested for any component or commodity value. (See recent U.S. EPA studies.) Many communities in Michigan have offered electronic waste recycling collections to their residents at a cost that takes funds away from other community programs. With the passing of Part 173 in 2008, residents and small businesses now have a free computer and television recycling alternative to expensive community collection programs. Larger entities must still manage their electronics according to hazardous waste regulations. Many cell phone companies offer takeback programs allowing cell phones to be refurbished for resale, reuse or recycling. Following are resources to help you manage your waste electornics. |
Product Stewardship: Residential Electronics Where to recycle household electronics: ReConnect Partnership takes all computer and computer-related electronics Call2Recycle has thousands of locations nation-wide that accept cell phones for recycling. Many local recycling and household hazardous waste programs host electronic product collections. MORE INFORMATION Managing Electronic Waste in Michigan. In Michigan, all television and computer manufacturers must have a free takeback program for residents and small businesses.
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