Category Archives: e-waste

Colorado Electronics Recycling Ban Information

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Beginning July 1, 2013, Coloradans will no longer be able to dispose of consumer electronics in their household trash, as most “e-waste” is being banned from landfills based on the Colorado legislation SB12-133, Electronic Device Recycling Act. This legislation will not only help our environment and landfills but also will create local e-waste employment opportunities.

Waste electronic devices include:Recycle Electronics

  • Television sets (TV)
  • central processing units (CPUs)
  • computer monitors and peripherals
  • Printers and fax machines
  • Laptops, notebooks, ultra books, net books, electronic tablets
  • Digital video disc (DVD) players, video cassette recorders (VCRs), radios, stereos, video game consoles and video display devices with screens greater than four inches diagonally

It is also possible to donate working electronic devices, and there are a host of organizations that will accept used computers. Visit our electronics recycling page for organizations that accept used computers and electronics.

Electronic devices should be kept out of landfills and properly recycled to recover materials and reduce the energy demands from mining and manufacturing. Electronics are made from valuable resources, such as precious metals, copper, and engineered plastics, all of which require considerable energy to process and manufacture. Recycling electronics recovers valuable materials and as a result, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, saves energy, and saves resources by extracting fewer raw materials.

For more detailed information on the e-waste ban visit the Colorado department of Public Health and Environment. Or contact us and we are happy to point you in the right direction.

Recycling non-Traditional Business Materials

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When we think about recycling today, EPA Graphwe typically think about regular recyclable items such as plastic bottles, aluminum, glass and tin cans.  There are also now resources to recycle other office items such as Styrofoam, batteries, cell phones, CD’s and electronics. With our landfills becoming full, toxic and more expensive it is important for businesses to do their part to recycle as much as waste as possible. Here is a list of resources and office items that you can recycle. Don’t see an item listed? Visit our full list of recycling and donation resources for more recycling resources for businesses.

  • Styrofoam Packing Peanuts

Thanks to groups like the Plastic Loose Fill Council, the ways in which we recycle styrofoam are finally moving into the 21st century.  They have created a program in which used packing materials are repurposed for other business to use.  So, rather than adding those packing peanuts to the landfill, consider sending them a box full.

  • Batteries

The worst thing about batteries is how toxic and damaging they are when left to decompose in our environment. First, check with the battery manufacturer as many times they offer recycling programs for their products.  You can also contact Call2Recycle for locations that accept batteries for responsible recycling.

  • Cell Phones

You probably have see the cell phone recycling bins at your local big box electronics store or in the lobby of the cell phones stores but, did you know that there are other alternatives?  A cell phone can be a huge blessing to those in our third world countries so Collective Good can make that happen.  Domestic violence victims would also be very appreciative of your old phone so the NCADV will happily take it off your hands and put it to good use.

  • Bio-Plastics and Bio-degradable Materials

These are plastics made from lactic acid, soy protein or vegetable starches.  Through naturally occurring processes these plastics will break down over time, completely and without releasing toxins into our soil. If you need to find a recycler for these items contact FindAComposter.com and they will help put you in touch.  By making the effort to compost these products we will encourage the industry to continue to produce earth-friendly bio-plastics.

  • E-Waste (Computers, Printers, Monitors)

KOPEG (Keep Our Planet Earth Green) has an excellent recycling program that can also serve as a way to raise funds.  Encourage recycling of items like old cell phones or MP3 players, broken digital cameras, obsolete PDAs and more, and they will help you turn it into cash.

If you aren’t sure how to recycle a material, Contact us to find out more!

The Three P’s of Recycling in Your Workplace

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According to the EPA, the average person generates about 4 1/2 pounds of trash every day. While much of this is household waste, a good portion is generated in workplaces as well. After all, many Americans spend a majority of their day at their jobs. Eco-conscious business owners have a responsibility to provide a means for managing and recycling waste responsibly.

The Three P’s of Workplace Recycling assists organizations in getting started:

People: People are the number one component of the success of your business. Recycling efforts are no different. Get your team on board by letting them know that waste reduction is a priority. They need to be involved, willing and able to participate. You can help make recycling more efficient through the other two P’s, but without your people doing their part, your efforts will fall flat.

Process: You need to put a process in place to collect and dispose of recyclables and compostables. Who’s going to be in charge of emptying the containers and taking items off-site? Where will the items ultimately end up? Will there be some kind of monitoring and accountability system? How will you recognize and reward participation and efforts that go beyond what is required? These are some of the questions you have to consider to make sure that recycling and composting enhances your business operations.
Place: The saying “A place for everything and everything in its place” is true for recycling as well. You’ll need clearly-labeled containers for different types of recyclables and compostables that your business generates. Here are some suggestions for what items may be recycled from different areas of your workplace:

Cafeteria, Kitchen or Lunch room. (Most of these type of materials are usually collectable from most community based recycling programs)

  • Metal – aluminum foil, beverage cans
  • Cartons – milk and juice tetra-pak containers
  • Glass bottles
  • Plastics – #1-7, plastic bags, shrink wrap
  • Paper bags

Office Equipment and Electronics (These type of items need to be recycled through certified e-waste recyclers)

  • Fax machines
  • Computer mice, monitors, keyboards; Laptops
  • Copiers and printers; toner cartridges
  • CDs, DVDs
  • Phones

Paper (Most of these materials can either be recycled or composted. Check your local recyclers guidelines)

  • Books, phonebooks, catalogs
  • Magazines
  • Mail, Manila envelopes
  • Cardboard
  • Packing boxes
  • Office paper, shredded documents

Miscellaneous (These materials are considered hard-to-recycle items and usually are not picked up recycling programs. Go to Earth911 or National Recycling Resources to find ways to recycle these type of items)

  • Packing peanuts
  • Styrofoam packaging
  • Light bulbs
  • Batteries

Contact us to learn more about how you can apply the Three P’s of Recycling in your workplace

e-waste: Recycle computer and electronics responsibly

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Many companies in the beginning of the New Year purchase new electronic equipment. It is important to discard e-waste appropriately by using e-waste vendors that are certified by the Basel Action Network e-Stewards program. This system of certification is an independent audit that ensures recyclers do not throw e-waste into landfills and to only send to developing countries that have responsible and safe means of destruction and disposal.

There was a responsible electronics recycling act (HR 2284/ S. 1270) that was introduced in Congress in June of 2011. This Act would prevent the export of non-functional or shredded electronic scrap to developing countries and make it illegal to dump electronics into the landfill. It has been passed down to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment but as of today, the status is unknown.

Two great videos on the issues of e-waste;

  1. Story of Electronics: Produced by the same organization as the Story of Stuff. An easy 20 minute video on where electronics go once they have no use.
  2. 60 Minutes Wasteland: First aired in 2009 and again in 2010, this gripping and telling investigative reporting on e-waste issues in China.

Go to eco-officiency’s website to learn about recommended places to recycle or donate unwanted computers and electronics.