Electronic waste (“e-waste”) is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Brought on by the production of cheaper electronics, rapidly advancing technology, and the emergence of popular electronic gadgets, the consumption of electronics is dramatically increasing, while the lifespan of electronics is becoming relatively short. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average lifespan of a desktop and/or laptop computer purchased today is 2-4 years or 2–3 years, respectively.
In addition to concerns that electronic waste is taking up an increasing amount of space in U.S. landfills, electronic equipment contains toxic substances that can have serious environmental and public health implications if they are not disposed of properly. Heavy metals and other environmentally sensitive substances can leach into the ground, causing water contamination and other public health and environmental risks.
Though there is no federal e-waste legislation, several states, including Maine, mandate e-waste recycling. Maine’s “Shared Responsibility” program requires that all entities—the consumer, municipality and manufacturer—work together to ensure the responsible recycling of computers. Computer recycling is available in most municipalities and at all Goodwill stores in Maine.
More recycling resources:
- Chart of products and recycling locations (pdf format) from the Maine DEP, Division of Solid Waste Management
- Information on mercury-containing products and where to recycle them
- Read about recycling batteries, cell phones, and electronics
Brought to you by Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
www.goodwillnne.org
