Proper Disposal

A common misconception that many people have is that any type of electronic can be disposed of as electronic waste. Just because it has electronic components in it does not mean it is e waste. There are several categories and individual items that are generally accepted and some that are prohibited for various reasons.

These are generally acceptable because there are no regulatory barriers in place on disposal and collection.

• CRT Monitors
•  LCD Monitors
•  Notebook Desktops
•  Key Boards
•  Mice
•  Printers
•  DVD Players
•  Fax Machines
•  Copiers
•  Scanners
•  PDAs
•  Memory
•  Hard Drives
•  Televisions
•  Plasmas
•  Networking Gear
•  Servers
•  Circuit Boards
•  SPAM Routers
•  Circuit Cards
•  Test Equipment
•  Gauges
•  Stereo Equipment
•  Small appliances
•  Radios (Communication Equipment)
•  Cable Assemblies
•  Data/Technology Equipment
•  Process Control Equipment
•  All IT Infrastructure
•  Telecom Equipment
•  Medical Equipment with NO BIO Hazards
•  Generators
•  All Business/Office Consumer Electronics
•  Cell Phones 

There is also a list of prohibited items that are taken by some locations but not others based on their regulatory compliance. Most of the denied items are refused because of hazards to those collecting or because of the laws surrounding the items themselves. Some examples are items that have any sort of compressed gas tank, biohazard or hazmat items, anything that contains a chemical requiring an MSDS, and liquids of any kind. 

Knowing what to and not to drop at a collection location is important. Check with your local collection site and see what they can accept. Keep informed and you can make a difference.