Don’t Dump Toxic Electronics ... E-Cycle

E-cycling
* Virginia: http://www.deq.virginia.gov/ecycling/
* Tennessee: http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/swm/ewaste
* Industry e-cycling programs: http://www.computertakeback.com
* Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp.:  http://www.rbrc.org

BRISTOL, Va. - There’s a flip side to that newfangled cell phone found under the Christmas tree. Sooner or later, the outdated cell phones clogging the kitchen drawer have to go.

However, when they do go, don’t forget that those electronic beeps and whistles are powered by mercury, cadmium, lead and other toxic metals destined to seep into, and out of, a landfill. And toxic metals, such as mercury, can cause brain and kidney damage, as well as cancer, when released into the ground and air, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reports.

So, instead of dumping outdated gadgets and gizmos into the trash can, environmental and industry leaders recommend recycling, which, in the case of electronics, is known as e-cycling.

For nearly six years, Bristol Virginia Public Works has picked up laptops, monitors and even fluorescent light tubes left in marked boxes by the curb. As part of a statewide e-cycling effort, the technology is carted off during regular pickups.

The program has “really gotten more popular in the last two years because of the change in TV’s,” said Jeff Blevins, the city’s assistant solid waste disposal manager.

The city contracts with a local recycling company to remove the toxic materials and to then pulverize the safe leftovers for reuse as a computer motherboard, cell phone, or flatscreen television, Blevins said.

Tennessee communities, instead of a weekly, electronic curb-side pickup, host e-cycling drop stations once or twice a year, according to the Tennessee Department of Environmental Quality.

“People don’t realize this stuff doesn’t belong in a landfill,” said Barbara Kyle, of the nonprofit, e-cycling watchdog group Electronics TakeBack Coalition.

The coalition reports that 2.3 million tons of computers, televisions and other electronics are dumped into landfills each year. At the same time, 330,000 tons of electronics are recycled.

Some companies, such as Apple and Dell, have computer recycling programs. As for televisions, DVD players and other electronics, such companies as LG, Samsung and Sony will recycle those products.

Some companies will recycle only their own products, while others charge a fee. Call the companies to find out their policies.
It’s not just the big electronics that pose an environmental danger. Rechargeable batteries found in cell phones, cordless power tools and remote-controlled toys are also being e-cycled.

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp., made up of electronics corporations, will take back those outcast power sources at no charge. Drop off sites are located at most stores that sell electronics, including Lowe’s and Home Depot.

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