Get a new TV or computer this year? Don't forget to recycle the old

Don't forget to recycle your old electronics- here's the basics for Washington residents:

January 2009 saw the launch of Washington's landmark recycling program for computers and TVs.  Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation (WCRC) and our partners successfully passed one of the strongest electronics recycling laws in the country in 2006.  Now, there's E-Cycle Washington!  Over 35 million pounds of old computers and TVs have been collected so far.  That's about 2,200 units each and every day.  And it's all set up and paid for by the producers who make the computers and TVs.  

There is no charge to residents dropping off TVs, monitors, computers, or laptops.  And there are 240 drop-off locations around the state.  To find the drop-off location closest to you, call 1-800-RECYCLE or go to http://www.ecyclewashington.org.  Schools, small businesses and small governments with larger quantities can also use the program, but must call 1-866-779-6632 to make arrangements.  

If the computer or TV that is dropped off still works, it may be reused through resale or donation.  Collectors may also repair computers with new parts or parts from other old computers.

The manufacturer-run Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority set up E-Cycle Washington on behalf of over 200 participating manufacturers that sell their computers and TVs into the state.  They are using only recyclers who meet "preferred standards" developed by the Department of Ecology, which helps keep our toxic electronic waste from being shipped to developing countries.

Please note that E-Cycle Washington does not cover printers, peripherals, accessories, or other electronic devices.  For recycling options for this other equipment, you can go to http://ww.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html or www.TakeItBackNetwork.org. Take It Back Network members and e-Stewards are committed to sending electronics to responsible recyclers and typically charge a fee to cover their costs.

Washington was one of the first states in the country to pass an electronics recycling law using a producer responsibility approach.  Since then, 16 more states have followed our lead!  WCRC helped start a wave that shifts the momentum away from government-funded approaches and establishes producers as the party responsible for setting up and paying for the recycling programs. 

With E-Cycle Washington, we're on our way to it being as easy to responsibly recycle a computer or TV as it is to buy one!