| "E-waste" is a popular, informal name for electronic
products nearing the end of their "useful life."
A new term the industry is using more and more frequently is
"E-Scrap". E-Scrap and E-Waste essentially have the
same meaning and can me used interchangeably meaning any of the
following : Computers,
televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common
electronic products. Many of these products can be reused,
refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards is
one of the fastest growing segments of our nation's waste stream.
With the passage of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003,
certain portions of the electronic waste stream are defined and
the systems to recover and recycle them will be administratively
regulated beyond the
universal waste rules
that now apply to material handling.
Please review the
CIWMB's
efforts to implement the Act for more information.
In addition, some researchers estimate that nearly 75 percent
of old electronics are in storage, in part because of the
uncertainty of how to manage the materials. Combine this with
increasing advances in technology and new products headed towards
the market and it is no wonder that "e-waste" is a popular topic.
Is "e-waste" clearly defined?
The term "e-waste" is loosely applied to consumer and business
electronic equipment that is near or at the end of its useful
life. There is no clear definition for e-waste; for instance
whether or not items like microwave ovens and other similar
"appliances" should be grouped into the category has not been
established.
Is "e-waste" considered hazardous?
Certain components of some electronic products contain
materials that render them hazardous, depending on their condition
and density. For instance, Illinois law currently views
nonfunctioning CRTs (cathode ray tubes) from televisions and
monitor as hazardous.
What should I do with my electronic discards?
The mantra of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" applies here.
Reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement
and good maintenance.
Reuse still functioning electronic equipment by donating
or selling it to someone who can still use it.
Recycle
those components that cannot be repaired. To find an organization
that reuses or recycles electronics, search the Electronic Product
Management Directory (EPMD).
How can I learn more about this topic?
For more information, explore the
resources available within this site. Two outstanding
overviews include:
The U.S. EPA's recently published
WasteWise Update on Electronics Reuse and Recycling,
a
comprehensive overview of the issue. (Note: if you decide
to print the document, which is available as a PDF, we suggest
you do so in black and white--not color.)
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance published
Plug Into Electronics Reuse
to help expand the reuse
infrastructure for electronics. Included in the publication are
profiles of 22 model electronics reuse operations in the United
States.
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