Electronic Product Management

Reuse and Recycling Options

In the realm of solid waste, reuse means the equipment is still working and can be sold or donated, thus continuing the "life" of the product.

The term recycling means the equipment is disassembled and the components--such as plastic, glass, and metals--are recovered and used to manufacture new products. Some organizations are involved in both reuse and recycling while others focus on one activity.

Options

What should be done with old electronic products? Computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment should NOT be disposed of with regular garbage. Working TVs, monitors, computers and other consumer electronics can be sold or donated thereby prolonging their useful life. Nonfunctioning TVs and computer monitors should be recycled by an organization equipped to handle them. Please refer to our regulatory issues section for updates on laws and policies affecting e-waste management.

A first step in properly managing electronic products at the end of their useful life is to look in your Yellow Pages under Computer Dealers--Used and Recycled; Environmental and Ecological Services; Recycling Equipment and Services; Scrap Metals; Waste Disposal--Hazardous; or Waste Disposal, Reduction and Recycling.

Electronics: A New Opportunity for Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling, published by the U.S. EPA, includes information on how to properly manage electronics.

What if no appropriate recycling or disposal option is readily available? One word: Patience. Laws and policies are rapidly evolving and may subject portions of your equipment to hazardous waste regulation. It is important to correctly manage these materials, and as the laws evolve, so too will options for managing your e-waste.

Many local governments, nonprofit organizations, industry groups, and other organizations can help you handle your electronic products. These programs are central to increasing the reuse and recycling of electronic products. If you know of a program or event that is not included here, please contact us. (Please review our disclaimer regarding these resources!)

CIWMB-compiled resources

For California in general , we have compiled a list of electronic product reuse and recycling locations. Options for other materials are listed in our reuse Web site. It is important that generators of discarded equipment determine which options are appropriate for particular equipment and check references to evaluate past performance.

You should also check with your community's waste reduction coordinator to determine if there is a program available to you. Often that role is served by your local public works or environmental health department. If you need help tracking down a local contact, check with our Office of Local Assistance staff assigned to your county.

See our case study on the CIWMB's own experience in managing electronic products and packaging.

Reuse and recycling directories developed by other organizations

San Francisco residents and small businesses can recycle their unwanted computers through a variety of recycling services. Check them out...

Alameda County offers a list of options for electronics reuse and recycling through its special wastes Web site.

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition maintains the San Francisco Bay Area Computer Reuse and Recycling Directory.

Nationwide directories

The Directory of the North American Scrap Electronics Recycling Industry is available for a fee from Resource Recycling. The Directory contains extensive details about firms and organizations that acquire and process obsolete computers, peripherals TVs and other electronics.

The Electronics Industry Alliance maintains a national list searchable by state.

The International Association of Electronic Recyclers  Directory of the Electronics Recycling Industry allows you to search for organizations that are involved in electronics recycling. Most of the database focuses on companies that provide recycling services for electronic products. 

National Recycling Coalition (NRC) hosts the National Database of Electronics Recyclers, Reuse Organizations, and Municipal Programs.

Other resources

The California Materials Exchange (CalMAX) program, administered by the CIWMB, provides a forum for available and/or wanted equipment.

The Electronics.ExhangeSystem.net is a free buy/sell/trade listing system for electronics, computer and telecommunication items.

The Western Region Pollution Prevention Network E-Waste Sector Information Site includes information about policies, legislation and e-waste case studies.

Disclaimer: The California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) is dedicated to providing timely and accurate information to its constituents so that solid wastes can be managed in accordance with all applicable laws and policies. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of laws and policies pertaining to the management of electronic product discards, the CIWMB cannot guarantee that organizations listed as resources within this Web site are in full compliance with applicable rules. The CIWMB conducts ongoing efforts to determine the scope of these organizations' activities, however these may change without the CIWMB's knowledge. The inclusion or exclusion of an organization from these lists does not constitute an endorsement of that organization's regulatory status or environmental performance.

Last updated: June 13, 2008