eCycling
EPA is helping consumers and businesses learn what options are available for safe reuse and recycling of electronics. Many state and local governments, manufacturers, and retailers are providing opportunities to recycle and reuse this equipment. Oregon and Washington have legislation that requires producers to offer "take back" programs for consumer electronics. Alaska and Idaho also provide information to help consumers recycle electronics.
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State eCycling Programs:
Consumers can contact their state and local environmental agencies for information about safely reusing, recycling, or discarding their used electronic products. Reusing and recycling electronic equipment is important to recover valuable materials they contain, and also to keep hazardous materials from getting into the environment.
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Digital Television Transition
After February 17, 2009, most television stations will broadcast only a digital signal. The majority of viewers will not be affected by the transition because they own a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to a TV service (e.g., cable or satellite).
We are coordinating on the DTV transition with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to encourage consumers who own an analog TV set and who receive free broadcasts (via rabbit ears or a roof antenna) to extend the life of their TV by purchasing a digital converter box.
Do NOT throw out your old TV!
If you own an unwanted analog television, it contains a Cathode Ray Tube which is made of recyclable metals and leaded glass that should not go to landfills where the hazardous materials might be released into the environment. First, ask your retailer to take your old TV when you buy a new digital model, they can work with responsible manufacturers to recycle old equipment.
Resources and Information:
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Resources for Business
Electronic equipment is essential to running almost every modern business. From production, through its useful life, and into its final disposition, electronic equipment can have a major impact on the environment. EPA has established programs and regulations to reduce the environmental impact of electronic equipment throughout its life cycle.
Energy Star
During the working life of electronics, it is important to minimize energy use. EPA and the Department of Energy created the Energy Star Program to help manufacturers and purchasers make energy efficient choices for building and operating electronic equipment.
Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices
The Responsible Recycling (R2) Practices for Use in Accredited Certification Programs are a set of guidelines to assess recyclers’ environmental, health & safety and security practices. Recyclers who voluntarily adhere to these practices can be R2 certified and may gain a competitive advantage with customers that are dedicated to responsible end-of-life management of their electronic equipment.
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Rule
Cathode Ray Tubes in some older video monitors and television sets are subject to EPA regulations of their export from the United States, as well as state hazardous waste rules when managed domestically. The CRT Rule, effective January 2007, requires CRT exporters to submit formal notification to EPA prior to shipping used equipment out of the country. EPA will then notify the receiving country of the planned shipment and obtain permission, if necessary.
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Contacts:
Domenic Calabro (calabro.domenic@epa.gov) 206-553-6640
Mike Slater (slater.mike@epa.gov) 503-326-5872
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