eCycling
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EPA is helping consumers and businesses learn what options are available for safe reuse and recycling of electronics. 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.
The Northwest Product Stewardship Council published the following report: Preliminary Analysis of E-Cycle Programs in Washington and Oregon (PDF) (58pp., 2.7MB) - March 2010
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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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Contact Us
Domenic Calabro (calabro.domenic@epa.gov) 206-553-6640
Mike Slater (slater.mike@epa.gov) 503-326-5872
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