Selecting an Electronics Recycler

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Selecting an Electronics Recycler
Karen Misbach, CHMMTrinity College
NERCOMP Green Computing SIG November 14,
2005 UMASS Amherst
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Materials of Concern

• Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) lead
• Circuit Boards - heavy metals (cadmium, lead,
  mercury, chromium)
• Batteries nickel cadmium lithium
• Plastics- flame retardants
• Leach from landfills are emitted from
  incinerators contaminate ground water, enter
  food chain, air emissions

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Current Regulations

• Federally regulated as either
• hazardous waste if disposed of
• commercial product being reclaimed
• Check with your State
• Banned from Landfill incinerators in MA
• Universal Waste in CT
• May need a permit if disassembling

4
Opportunities

• Manufacturer Take Back Programs
• Reuse and Donation
• Dismantle and Recycle
• Massachusetts Regional Collection Centers

5
Important Considerations

• When donating, get inventory acceptance in
  writing.
• What are their recycling processes?
• Is everything recycled, if not, where do wastes
  go?
• Do they have all applicable permits?
• What is their regulatory record with local
  agencies?
• Requirements for storage, recordkeeping

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Trinitys Program

• Donate usable materials
• Donate off-spec or damaged materials
• Recycle
• Northeast Lamp Recycling
• Not a broker
• eWaste dismantling permit with CT DEP
• No Landfill policy all materials reclaimed
  and recycled.

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Resources

• Donation Organizations
• http//www.epa.gov/NE/solidwaste/electronic/
• reuse.html
• http//www.cristina.org/
• Demanufacturers/Recyclers
• http//www.epa.gov/NE/solidwaste/electronic/
• demanu.html
• http//www.dep.state.ct.us/wst/recycle/comprecy.ht
  m

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Resources (cont.)

• Demanufacturers/Recyclers (cont.)
• http//www.wastecap.org/wastecap/rsd2003/
  (Recycling Services Directory for Massachusetts)
• Materials/Waste Exchange
• http//www.epa.gov/NE/solidwaste/electronic/exchan
  ge.htm
• http//www.ir-network.com/ (Institutional
  Recycling Network)