Electronic Waste Recycling
Electronic waste is the fastest growing portion of our waste stream. The
volume of electronics produced continues to increase, while their usable
lifetime continues to decrease. Electronics are made from valuable resources:
metals, plastics, and glass that require energy to manufacture. Reusing
and recycling these materials from end-of-life electronics conserves our
natural resources, avoids air and water pollution, and the energy and resources
required to make parts for new products. Because of the toxicity, electronics
present a special recycling challenge.
Why is there a fee for recycling?
"Recycling electronics is a labor-intensive job that involves a lot
of time and expertise. Include the cost of shipping and it’s an expensive
thing to do. Plus, with items such as monitors and TVs, there is actually
a NEGATIVE recovery value! Be cautious with companies or individuals who
accept electronics for free recycling or those who actually pay you to recycle
your electronics. Many times, these operations send your old electronics
overseas to countries without regulations that set environmental or labor
standards and are likely to be dismantled by people in unsafe conditions.
CBS's 60 Minutes did a great piece on this problem, and details
Click here to see a 60-Minutes Article, "Following the Trail of Toxic
E-waste," and why it is important to pay to recycle electronic waste
locally. Recycling locally is also good for local businesses and the local
economy by keeping materials and jobs within a community rather than sending
them overseas.
To read about S.A.V.E.'s efforts to make these programs more affordable
and sustainable visit our legislative blog. Also, check out the links below
to see Montana businesses that recycle locally.
Recycling E-Waste in Helena
Staples has an electronics recycling program which accepts office technology products for recycling. There is a $10 fee to recycle larger items like computer monitors, desktop computers, laptops, printers, scanners, all-in-ones and fax machines. Smaller items like keyboards, mice, and speakers are accepted at no charge.
For individuals, the easiest choice is Staples, which now has a collection at most of their stores for computers and accessories. The cost is $10 per item, e.g. $20 for a monitor and cpu. They do not take TVs. Call your local store for more information.
http://www.batteriesplus.com/store_details/319.aspx (Batteries Plus will accept rechargeable and household batteries)
Cartridge World recycles ink cartridges
S.A.V.E. collects fluorescent light bulbs (tube and u-shaped) and batteries on recycling route
Home Depot collects light bulbs
add Tatooine collection for business, list their phone number and popout link to their webpage
Check the DEQ Take-Back Program Site for manufacturers that may take back these items or charge a fee to recycle them for you!