computer recovery project developing a network for change product stewardship and electronics...

Computer Recovery Project

Developing a Network For Developing a Network For ChangeChange

Product Stewardship and Electronics Recycling

The Problem

In 1999, tests were done on cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in monitors.

Determined most contain lead in quantities that designate as a hazardous waste.

Illustration Courtesy Seattle Public Utilities

The Problem

Most monitors were being disposed in the garbage.

Shortage of reuse and recycling options for used electronics in King County

No local infrastructure for recycling broken computer monitors for residents and small businesses.

Project Goals

Follow Product Stewardship Principles

Share the responsibility for the management of used electronics equipment among industry, government and consumers.

Promote product stewardship through technical assistance, education, market development, and coordination.

Pilot Project

King County organized a network of businesses and organizations that agreed to accept used computer equipment for reuse and/or recycling.

Total Reclaim expanded their recycling services to take computer monitors.

July - October 2000

Repair, Resale, Recycling

The Network

The Network

Charity Organizations

Pilot Project

34 locations participated in the pilot project.

14 locations agreed to accept broken monitors.

Public brought used equipment to collection sites.

Customers were charged a $10 fee to recycle broken monitors.

Collection

Total Reclaim collected broken monitors from network members.

Disassembly

Monitors were dismantled into glass, plastic and metal parts.

CRTs transported to smelter or glass-to-glass recycling facility.

Publicity

Newspaper and television coverage

Paid radio ads Newsletters and

trade journals Brochures,

posters, website, phone line

King County publicized the network.

Program Materials

Brochures distributed by 80 computer retail stores and public agencies.

Pilot Project Results

Government organized project, provided technical assistance and promoted network services.

Industry provided collection sites and recycling services.

Retailers publicized the program. Consumers paid recycling fee.

Shared Responsibility

Pilot Project Results

6,200 broken monitors were recycled.

Network members elected to continue

providing services.

Computer Recovery Project

Ongoing Program: Jan 2001 -

Dec 2002 Recruit new members

Annual renewal - sign Agreement with program participants identifying roles and responsibilities.

Reprint brochure with new listings.

Continue program promotion.

Computer Recovery Project

Lisa SepanskiKing County Solid Waste Division

201 S. Jackson St.Seattle, WA 98104

206-296-4489Lisa.Sepanski@metrokc.gov