E-WASTE BANNED FROM TRASH STARTING IN JULY
Adapted from The Recycler’s Corner from Denver Recycles
Last April, the state passed a law banning the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) in landfills effective July 2013. While e-waste disposal is already illegal for most industries, businesses, government agencies, institutions and schools, it is now illegal for Colorado residents and residential waste haulers to trash e-waste.
E-Waste Recycling Options:
Take it back. Many companies have programs that will accept your old electronics. Check the manufacturer’s website. You’d be surprised how many offer easy and convenient service. Also, use retail services such as Best Buy’s or Staples’ recycling programs.
Recycle it. The City of Denver offers two convenient ways for you to recycle your electronics:
• E-CYCLE COUPON. The E-cycle coupon allows Denver residents to drop off their televisions, monitors and other electronic items at Metech Recycling at a significantly discounted rate. To request an E-cycle coupon go to www.denvergov.org/ecycle.
• SEASONAL ECO-RALLY EVENTS. Denver Recycles periodically hosts drop-off recycling events for residents. Check our website or join us on Facebook or Twitter to be the first to receive Eco-rally event information.
Why E-Cycling is Important:
Electronics contain harmful, and sometimes even toxic, substances which can pose risks to our health and the environment when put in the trash. On average, CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions and monitors each contain 4 to 8 pounds of lead. Flat panel televisions, laptops and monitors all have mercury-containing lamps inside, and power cords and cables contain significant amounts of lead and cadmium. Recycling these materials also reduces our need to mine or extract more of the natural resources used to make electronics.
For more information on e-waste recycling options in Denver, visit denvergov.org/ecycle or call 311.