WHAT IS E-WASTE AND HOW SHOULD IT BE DISPOSED OF?

E-waste is one of the fastest growing components of solid waste in the United States. It's no wonder, considering the rapid pace at which electronic products are being replaced with newer, faster and better versions. According to a CBS 60 Minutes report, The Electronic Wasteland, 130,000 computers are thrown out every day and over 100 million cells phones are discarded annually. Computers, computer peripherals, fax machines, scanners, televisions, small scale servers, and small electronic equipment are all considered E-waste. With the increase in consumer electronic use, e waste disposal companies are working hard to keep up with the electronic waste disposal demands.

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ELECTRONIC WASTE DISPOSAL FOR BUSINESSES

The primary concern of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and solid waste managers is the toxicity of these components. Potential contaminants include lead, mercury, nickel and cadmium, which can readily pollute the soil, water and air as a result of incineration and/or landfill operations. Ingesting these toxic poisons has been linked to kidney disease, brain damage, cancer and genetic mutations.

To address these concerns, on May 28, 2010, Governor Cuomo signed into law the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, which provides guidance on disposing electronic waste in an environmentally responsible manner. The legislation requires that all E-waste be disposed of at a designated Drop Center or be scheduled for pick-up with a nominal fee and requires manufacturers to provide free and convenient recycling of electronic waste to most consumers and select businesses.

In accordance with the disposal ban requirements of Section 27-2611 of the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, the following dates were established for when covered electronic equipment may no longer be accepted for disposal at a solid waste or hazardous waste management facility:

April 1, 2011 – From any electronic equipment manufacturer, retailer, or owner or operator of an electronic waste collection site, consolidation facility, or recycling facility.

– From any electronic equipment manufacturer, retailer, or owner or operator of an electronic waste collection site, consolidation facility, or recycling facility. January 1, 2012 – From any person other than an individual or household consumer.

– From any person other than an individual or household consumer. January 1, 2015 – From any person.

Consumers eligible for free and convenient recycling include individuals, for-profit businesses and corporations with less than 50 full time employees, not-for-profit corporations with less than 75 full time employees, not-for-profit corporations designated under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, schools, or governmental entities.

For-profit businesses with 50 or more full time employees and not-for-profit corporations with 75 or more full time employees may be charged. It’s important for businesses to know how to dispose of electronic waste responsibly. Suburban Carting specializes in e-waste disposal can help answer any of your electronic waste needs, give us a call today.

Suburban Carting Offers Affordable E-Waste Recycling Services

If you are a business in need of e-waste recycling services, Suburban Carting can help. Call us at (914) 698-4300 or visit our contact page.