| Computer
Disposal Concerns
Currently in New York State scrap computers are considered as hazardous waste
for businesses and organizations and are required to be disposed of such unless
they are recycled through a recycling company on file with the DEC [DEC 6 NYCRR
371.1 (c)(7)1]. Residential generators have an exemption from this regulation.
Monitors and terminals
are always considered hazardous waste as they contain significant
levels of lead and do not pass the TCLP test for toxicity. CPUs
and other components could be considered hazardous depending on
the levels of hazardous materials in each that varies by model
and manufacturer. Toxic
materials in computers:
Lead - cathode-ray tubes, solders (a standard display monitor contains 4-8
pounds of lead as a user shield against radiation)
Cadmium - printed circuit boards, semiconductors, batteries
Mercury - batteries, switches
Chromium - corrosion protection in steel
PVC plastics - housings and cables
PCB's - older capacitors and transformers
Brominated flame-retardants - printed circuit boards, cables and plastic casings
Furthermore NYS DEC
regulations state that the generator of computer waste continues
to be liable for the product if not properly disposed/recycled.
Also, notification of computer recycling is accomplished by filing
a C7 notification form with the DEC that stipulated that the material
was disposed of through an approved recycler.To date there has
been selective enforcement of the laws in New York by regulators,
landfill operators and hauling companies, however penalties do
apply for noncompliance. Other states including Massachusetts have
banned disposal of CRTs in landfills and are taking a more restrictive
stand on the issue. It is reasonable to expect stricter enforcement
and/or similar bans as more and more computers become obsolete
in the near future.
Computer & Office
Electronics Recycling
Clearly, each business and organization must establish its own policy regarding
end of life computer recycling and disposal that considers not only the economic
cost but also environmental ethics, environmental liability and legal compliance
issues.
Certified
Document Destruction & Recycling,
Inc (CDDR) recycles computers, monitors, terminals, printers, keyboards,
copiers, fax machines, miscellaneous electronic scrap. CDDR is registered
with the NYS DEC. Scrap computers and office electronics are segregated
in to component parts and truckloads are shipped to various recyclers
of those
materials. While there is a cost associated with recycling due the
labor and low value of materials, it is less than that of hazardous
waste disposal.Specifically we can provide
you with clean-out service, transportation and environmental compliance reporting
(C7, certificate of recycling).
Components
and recycled use:
Circuit boards - metals, gold, silver, copper, lead, salvage chips
CRT's - new leaded glass, lead for batteries
Metal cases, parts, wires - steel, copper, aluminum
Batteries - mercury, zinc, nickel, cadmium
Mercury switches - Mercury
Plastic - new plastic, fuel for electricity/steam
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