Why is E-Waste a Problem?

Electronic waste is a valuable source for secondary raw materials, if treated properly, however if not treated properly it is a major source of toxins and carcinogens. Rapid technology change, low initial cost and even planned obsolescence have resulted in a fast growing problem around the globe. Technical solutions are available but in most cases a legal framework, a collection system, logistics and other services need to be implemented before a technical solution can be applied. Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste.

So where does your e-waste go?

Due to lower environmental standards and working conditions in China, India, Kenya, and elsewhere, our electronic waste is being sent to these countries for processing – in most cases illegally. Guiyu in Shantou region of China, and Delhi and Bangalore in India, all have electronic waste processing areas. Uncontrolled burning, disassembly, and disposal are causing environmental and health problems, including occupational safety and health effects among those directly involved, due to the methods of processing the waste. Trade in electronic waste is controlled by the Basel Conventioneer.

Where is the e-waste problem heading?

As we become more dependent on electronic products to make life more convenient, the stockpile of used, obsolete products grows. Computer monitors and older TV picture tubes contain an average of four pounds of lead. In addition to lead, electronics can contain chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc, and brominated flame retardants. When electronics are not disposed of or recycled properly, these toxic materials can present problems.

Hazardous components of e-waste and where they are found

Why Should We Recycle E-Waste?

Extending the life of your electronics or donating your most up-to-date and working electronics can save you money and saves valuable resources. Safely recycling outdated electronics can promote the safe management of hazardous components and supports the recovery and reuse of valuable materials (U.S. EPA e-Cycling Web Site).

Resource Links for eWaste

Donating Your Computer

A working computer is a terrible thing to waste. Donating computers to those who need them is a win-win situation for business and the community. Reusing computers benefits communities, helps us use valuable materials wisely, and keeps working PCs out of the trash. The following fact sheets from U.S. EPA will help get you pointed in the right direction for information on donating your computer equipment:

Do the PC Thing for Consumers
Do the PC thing for Businesses

Businesses

As your business takes advantage of new equipment, what do you do with your obsolete equipment? Ohio EPA encourages businesses to recycle or donate old electronic equipment. Many schools, nonprofit and charitable organizations accept working electronic goods. If equipment cannot be reused, another good option is sending equipment to a reputable recycler. A recycler will disassemble equipment and recover useable components such as memory boards, disk drives, video cards and microprocessor chips. Plastic and glass components may be recycled into new products. Metals can be separated and sent to smelters where they are melted and used to make new products.

If you dispose of computers and monitors instead of having them recycled, you could be considered a generator of hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). RCRA requires generators to determine whether or not the waste they generate is hazardous by using generator knowledge or by testing representative samples of that waste.  Computer components could be considered hazardous because of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium or chromium.

If you do not test used computers and monitors and prove them non-hazardous, you must assume they are hazardous waste and dispose of them at a permitted hazardous waste facility or recycle them.

E-waste Links for Businesses

Guidance for Management of Electronic Waste from Businesses, Ohio EPA, Division of Hazardous Waste Management

Identifying Your Hazardous Waste (Fact Sheet), Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention

Homeowners/Consumers

Electronic equipment is used by almost everyone and advances in technology result in newer equipment continually becoming available for home use. As our old electronic equipment becomes outdated, it is important that we think carefully about reusing and recycling materials, instead of just throwing equipment in landfills. The Electronic Equipment from Your Home fact sheet helps you make the best decisions about what to do with your old electronic equipment. The Electronic Industries Alliance and Earth 911 Web sites also identify electronic equipment recyclers in many areas around the country. Information on how to remove data and clean your computer’s hard drive is available at Do the PC Thing for Consumers as well.

State and Local Governments

Used and obsolete electronics, such as computers, printers, mobile phones, and fax machines, are part of an increasing and complex waste stream that poses challenging environmental management problems for state, local and federal facilities.

Visit U.S. EPA’s State and Local Government E-Waste Recycling Web site for information and resources on electronics recycling.