12 Eco Solutions for E-Waste

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, E-waste is now the fastest growing part of the municipal waste stream.  It was estimated that between 2003 and 2010, more than three billion consumer electronic devices would be discarded.

E-waste, otherwise known as discarded electronics, includes cell phones, pda’s, computers, monitors, fax machines, televisions, and other common electronic products.  Lead, cadmium, mercury and other toxic materials used in this equipment can contaminate the environment.

Previously, small business resources were limited in the disposal of these products; however, with increasing consumer awareness and businesses embracing green agendas, more options are available for responsible disposal of e-waste.  Consider these options when discarding of e-waste:

• A first step mentioned for properly managing electronic products is to look in your Yellow Pages under Computer Dealers–Used and Recycled; Environmental and Ecological Services; Recycling Equipment and Services; Scrap Metals; Waste Disposal–Hazardous; or Waste Disposal, Reduction and Recycling.
• Recycling for Charities allows individuals an opportunity to recycle cellular phones, PDA’s, Palm Pilots, digital cameras, and iPods for value that is then donated to the charity of their choice.  What sets Recycling for Charities apart is the fact that they are the only 501(c) (3) Non Profit Organization recycling cell phones.  This sustainable business strategy not only helps protect the environment.
• Best Buy offers their Greener Together Program.
• Search Earth 911‘s database for electronics recycling.
• Buying or selling used electronic pieces?  Check out Electronics Recycling.
• LampRecycling provides businesses with an easier system for recycling their fluorescent bulbs, CFLs, batteries, ballasts, and electronic waste, and tracking their recycling efforts.
• To recycle CDs, DVDs, video and audio tapes, look to GreenDisk.
• BatteriesPlus offers recycling for batteries of all types: both commercial and residential use.
• The Directory of the North American Scrap Electronics Recycling Industry is available for a fee from Resource Recycling. The Directory contains extensive details about firms and organizations that acquire and process obsolete computers, peripherals TVs and other electronics.
• The Electronics Industry Alliance maintains a national list searchable by state.
• The International Association of Electronic Recyclers Directory of the Electronics Recycling Industry allows you to search for organizations that are involved in electronics recycling. Most of the database focuses on companies that provide recycling services for electronic products.
• National Recycling Coalition (NRC) hosts the National Database of Electronics Recyclers, Reuse Organizations, and Municipal Programs.

Although, major manufacturers and retailers recycled more than 66.5 million pounds of used consumer electronics last year, still more effort is needed. Incorporating responsible recycling practices into your daily life and business is one more step in protecting our natural resources.

12 Eco Solutions for E-Waste republished with permission from the Taiga Company blog.

Julie

Julie Urlaub is Founder & Managing Partner of Taiga Company, a sustainability consulting firm located in Houston, Texas dedicated to accelerating the integration of sustainability concepts in business. Today, Julie speaks, writes, and advises clients on a variety of issues related to the intersection between environmental stewardship, and sustainable business practices. Her writing has been featured in SocialYell’s Corporate Advice, the GreenEcomonyPost, the Business Exchange and, the ThinkGreenAlliance. Connect with Taiga Company on Facebook and Twitter. Also Find Julie on LinkedIn.