860 Maple Street
Rochester, New York 14611
Phone: 585-482-9400
Fax: 585-482-6166
E-mail: steve@suburbandisposal.com

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