PLEASE NOTE: These bulletins, published since 1997, are historical. The content is not updated.
The Problem
Nationally, it is estimated that 14 million personal computers were retired in 1999. Although roughly 80% of old computers remain in storage, 55 million whole personal computers are still expected to be disposed of by 2005. If current behavior patterns remain unchanged, we estimate that in King County, approximately 335,000 computers will be junked by the year 2005.
Why is it a Problem?
Because most computer equipment contains hazardous materials, it needs to be handled properly. Computer monitors with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) - the picture tube - can contain between three to eight pounds of lead. Circuit boards also contain lead in addition to cadmium, mercury and other hazardous materials. Many other materials used in computer manufacture such as metals, glass and plastics, can be recovered and used again.
One Local Solution:
The goal of this project is to educate people about the proper handling of used computer equipment. The first priority is to get working, usable computer equipment into the hands of people that can use it. The second priority is to save resources by recycling as much of the broken or obsolete equipment as possible. Reusing and recycling computer equipment saves natural resources.
The website displays a list of 34 locations in and around the Seattle/King County area that accept used computer equipment. Most computer equipment will be accepted at no cost. Broken or unsalable computer monitors will be accepted for a $10.00 fee per monitor. Because there are no local recyclers for computer monitors, the fee will cover the cost of transporting and processing the materials at an out-of-state recycling facility.
The Computer Recovery Project is sponsored by the King County Solid Waste Division, with support from Seattle Public Utilities and the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County.
- Computer Recovery Project
- King County Solid Waste Division
- (206)296-8800
- E-mail: greenworks.swd@metrokc.gov
Additional Resources on the Web
Other Programs:
State of Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance -- "Plug-In to Recycling"
Donation/Reuse:
Electronics Recycling:
San Jose Computer Collection and Recycling - Final Report
US EPA-Electronics: New Opportunity for Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling
EPA WasteWise Update: Electronics Reuse and Recycling
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Inclusion of companies in this list and links to external web-sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.Special thanks to Lisa Sepanski, King County Solid Waste Division for the project information and review.
Environmental Purchasing Program
The King County Environmental Purchasing Program assists County agencies in implementation of King County Executive Policy CON-7-1-2, which requires agencies to use recycled and other environmentally preferable products wherever practicable.
The program assembles information about these products and makes it available to specific agency users who can evaluate them and develop applications in County projects.
These environmental purchasing bulletins contain information about the results of product evaluations and other accomplishments of County agencies. We hope this information will help you find ways to use recycled materials in the work of your agency and that you will contact us if we can help you with further information or if you have suggestions.
Environmental Purchasing Program King County Procurement Services Division
Published: July 24, 2000
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Updated: July 24, 2000King County | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.
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