Today, consumers have a wider array of electronics to choose from, such as LCD monitors, thin laptop computers, high-resolution digital cameras, larger high-definition televisions, cooler iPods, and slimmer cell phones. As a result, hundreds of tons of electronics are thrown away each year as consumers rush out to get the latest technology in their hands. Although electronics represent 2 percent of America’s trash in landfills, they cause 70 percent of overall toxic waste due to heavy metals and other toxic substances. Old electronics disposed in our landfills are a huge burden to the environment.
Increasingly, retailers and manufacturers are stepping up and helping with recycling. Many retailers will take back decommissioned equipment if you purchase something new from them, or they may charge a nominal recycling fee. In fact, the EPA partnered with manufacturers and retailers in the Plug-in to eCycling program. On their website, you can find useful information on donating or recycling old electronics.
Last week, JB wrote about a partnership between the USPS and Clover Technologies Group to recycle small electronics and ink cartridges. The caveat is that this program is in its pilot phases, and they only accept items that fit in their postage pre-paid envelopes. Later this week, I’ll let you know how you can recycle pretty much any electronic item you own and get paid some real cash for it.
Next time you throw away that broken iPod or that dinosaur of a cell phone, think about the impact you’re making on the environment. Think also about the cash you’re throwing away - literally. If the item is not working, take it to a recycler. If it is functioning, donate it to a good cause and get a nice tax write off for next year. Or, stay tuned for my next post and learn how you can earn some cash.
Nice writing style. I will come back to read more posts from you.
Susan Kishner
Thank you Susan! We look forward to having you visit us again.
When purchasing electronic products you can also ask about the nonprofit EPEAT environmental rating system, which rates products based on 51 individual environmentla performance criteria - including availability of a takeback and recycling program for the product.
The system currently applies to desktops, laptops, and monitors, but will be expanding to cover printers, servers, tvs and mobile devices (cell phones, PDAs, etc) over the next few years. Many of the rated products are business class - but if consumers express an interest in EPEAT-rated products as a way to reduce their environmental impacts, manufacturers can design their consumer products to meet the EPEAT standard’s requirements.
Visit the EPEAT website for a searchable product database, manufacturer list, criteria, and much more - http://www.epeat.net
Green Girl,
EPEAT is something we definitely need. I can’t wait for it to expand to other consumer electronic areas. Making items that are environmentally friendly is half the battle. Thanks for letting us know about EPEAT.