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Effective July 1, 2011, North Carolina has banned the disposal of computer equipment and televisions. Households across the state have many options for helping the disposal ban be successful, while also helping conserve resources and returning valuable materials to the economy. Follow the links below to discover the many opportunities to reduce and recycle computer equipment, televisions, and other electronics.
1.1 Tips for Households on Reducing Electronic Wastes
Electronics are expensive items - making them last as long as possible gives your family the highest value and helps prevent wasteful use of energy and natural resources:
- Buying the cheapest or buying something that does not meet your needs can mean a shorter life for your electronic equipment. Check consumer product guides to find the highest quality items that save energy and last longer. Products with lengthy warranties can indicate of long-term usefulness. You may pay a little more up front, but not have to spend more later for a replacement.
- Repair broken units rather than discard them. Computers, televisions, and other electronic devices can often be repaired if malfunctioning. Look in the local yellow pages or on-line for repair services. Some vendors and manufacturers offer extended warranties to cover future repair costs.
- Upgrade your computer rather than buy a new one. Adding RAM, changing software or conducting other upgrades can make your current computer last longer.
- Consider buying used equipment. You can help give a perfectly good television or computer a longer life by looking for bargains at yard sales, thrift shops, surplus sales, and on-line trading sites like Craigslist or EBay.
If your television, computer or other electronic device has finally reached the end of its useful life, remember to recycle! Many local governments across North Carolina offer public electronics recycling programs. There are also many electronics manufacturer recycling programs as well as opportunities to recycle electronics through retail outlets. And charitable donations are also a possible option for things like cell phones, functioning computers, and other electronics.
1.2 North Carolina Local Government Electronics Recycling Programs
Most North Carolina counties and some municipalities offer electronics collection services through public drop-off locations. Contact your local solid waste and recycling office to learn more about electronics recycling options.
Many North Carolina communities have also received funding from the state to help operate electronics recycling programs. To see the list of counties and municipalities who have made themselves eligible for program funding, visit: http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wm/sw/electronics
1.3 Recycling Programs Offered by Electronics Manufacturers
By North Carolina Law, all computer equipment manufacturers, including makers of desktops, laptops, computer monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards and mice must offer a no-cost recycling program to North Carolina households. In addition to local government electronics recycling services, manufacturer programs are a good option for households with electronics discards. Further information through the Websites and toll-free phone numbers listed below.
Manufacturer Recycling Hotlinks and Toll Free Recycling Numbers
1.4 Electronics Recycling at Retail Locations
In addition to local government electronics recycling services and manufacturer electronics recycling programs, households can also take advantage of electronics recycling opportunities provided by retailers:
1.5 Electronics Donation and Charity Options
If your computer equipment, cell phones, or other electronics are in good working order, you may consider donating it to charitable uses. The list below provides some examples of some charitable outlets for electronic materials. You may be able to find additional options through your local community or Web research.
Local
National
Others
- Rethink Initiative - Brings together industry, government, environmental and charitable groups to offer a fresh perspective and new answers to the challenge of e-waste.
1.6 Cell Phone Recycling Options
Cell phones are very recyclable and a broad number of opportunities exist to prevent their disposal. Most public recycling programs will accept cell phones and here are some additional options:
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