Mid Michigan Waste Authority - Get Into Recycle-Motion!

Electronics Recycling

Every year, approximately 10 million computers are discarded in the United States alone. With a current average lifespan of less than 2.5 years, home and small business computers are becoming a significant portion of our waste stream, and can be a significant source of recycled feedstock, if diverted from the landfill.

Click here to see 2011 E-Waste Program Report

In 2008, the Michigan Electronic Waste Take-Back Program was passed as part of a law promoting electronic waste recycling. Provisions went into effect in February 2010. The law requires:

Manufacturers who are selling new TVs and computers in Michigan:

• To register and pay a fee to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment
• To have an electronic recycling (takeback) program-free and convenient for households and small businesses (less than 10 employees)
• To maintain a Web site and otherwise inform consumers how to recycle TVs and computers
• To submit annual information about their takeback program (number of units collected, names of collection or recycling agencies involved)

Recyclers of TVs and computers:

• To register and pay a fee to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment
• To comply with federal and state recycling laws
• To annually report the amount of recycled material and the names and locations of recycling facilities under their direct control in Michigan who processed the recycled equipment.

Retailers:

• To sell ONLY new computers and TVs produced by registered manufacturers

To address the issue of unwanted, valuable computer waste and televisions, MMWA stays abreast of the industry and state law outcomes and evaluates any opportunities for providing cost-effective e-waste recycling programming. A comprehensive resource list of local and national e-waste recycling options has been developed and is continually updated and available through the MMWA website and by phone from the Authority.

In 2009 and 2010, MMWA partnered with Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan for a fall computer collection event. The recycling drop-off events offered residents the opportunity to bring unwanted computers, computer accessories and electronic devices to any of 12 locations, including 2 Goodwill locations in Saginaw. The event ran for 2 consecutive weeks the last 2 weeks of September. The partnership with Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan provided MMWA with the means to provide recycling to residents and businesses of member communities, at no cost. Goodwill Industries provided collection containers and transportation to service the drop-off sites throughout the project. The 2009 and 2010 events generated over 180,000 pounds of electronics for recycling.

Sony website offers options:

Sony Electronics launched a new website to help consumers find the best way to recycle or trade in their electronic waste. The website offers a trade-in program for some Sony products, offering customers credit toward new products in some cases. The site also directs owners of non-Sony products to the nearest e-waste recycling sites to their location through a ZIP code search. For customers living more than 25 miles from a Sony drop-off center, the company is offering free shipping and recycling on Sony-branded products that weigh less than 25 pounds. Vist the website…