TV, Computer and Electronics Recycling

Almost 70 percent of the overall toxic waste in landfills is from discarded electronics (e-waste). With just a little effort, you can be a part of the solution by recycling your e-waste.

Televisions

The Digital TV Switch

If you upgraded your TV for the digital switchover (or plan to) think about disposing of that old television in a safer way than taking it to the landfill. The toxic materials in TVs pose a threat to health and safety. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs that will safely recycle your TV.

Visit www.texastakeback.org for information on recycling:

• Sony products
• LG products
• Samsung products
• Wal-Mart products
• Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba products

Have another brand?

Best Buy stores accept a variety of consumer electronics. Customers can drop off up to two devices per day at any of Best Buy’s 1,006 stores throughout the United States. Please check the Best Buy website (www.bestbuy.com) for more information on acceptable items to bring in.

This PDF document offers consumer tips on recycling TVs.

Computers and Other E-Waste

Computers can contain lead and other hazardous materials that harm the environment. But did you know much of the metal, plastic, and other components are recyclable?

This PDF document lists some local recyclers that accept computers, electronics and/or cell phones. This list is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation or endorsement by Solid Waste Services.

Don’t throw that computer away. Send it back to the manufacturer.

In 2007, the Texas Legislature mandated that manufacturers selling new computer equipment in Texas must provide a program for collecting and recycling of consumers’ used computer equipment.

Each manufacturer is responsible only for its own brand(s) of computer equipment. The collection and recycling must be convenient and free at the time of recycling. Computer equipment is considered:

• a monitor,
• a desktop computer or laptop, and
• an accompanying keyboard and mouse made by the same manufacturer.

The manufacturers are required to offer collection and recycling only for computer equipment purchased primarily for personal or home-business use—regardless of when it was sold; By law, the customer is responsible for any confidential information left on the computer equipment.

Visit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for details and a list of manufacturers, www.TexasRecyclesComputers.org

E-Waste Recycling Resources

• E-Stewards promotes globally responsible electronics recycling. Visit: www.e-stewards.org

• Reconnect is a Goodwill/Dell partnership that offers easy, convenient and responsible way to recycle your used computer equipment. You can drop off any brand of used equipment at participating Goodwill donation centers in your area. Visit: www.reconnectpartnership.com

• Visit the Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm
• The Electronic Industries Alliance has a directory of companies and other organizations that will help you recycle other electronics. Visit www.eiae.org