E-Waste Recycling Guide

By Danila Oder

Ever strain your back lifting a TV or computer monitor? These CRTs (cathode ray tubes) contain four to eight pounds of lead. When discarded TVs and computers are dumped, lead from solder and the leaded glass screen-as well as heavy metals like cadmium and mercury-seep into the groundwater. Incineration is no better-it produces highly toxic ash.

In 2001 the California banned landfill disposal of CRTs. In response, many local governments instituted CRT-recycling programs. (See list at the end of this article.) But few people and businesses know about the law. Only 10-15 percent of ‘retired’ computers are actually dismantled and recycled, says Ted Smith of the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. Nonworking or obsolete computers donated to thrift stores usually end up in the dump-or worse, stripped in Asia of their precious metals under hazardous conditions. Why the low compliance? It costs between $5 and $25 to properly dismantle and recycle a CRT, says Smith.

Europe has a different approach to obsolete computers: producer “take-back” laws. Last February, the European Parliament required that manufacturers finance the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of all electronic waste. Another directive required the elimination of heavy metals and brominated flame retardants (endocrine disruptors) from computers sold in Europe after July 1, 2006.

In September, Governor Davis signed SB 20 (Sen. Byron Sher). The country’s most stringent e-waste law, SB 20 imposes a fee on new televisions and computer screens and-in a bow to most computer manufacturers-makes the state responsible for e-waste recycling. SB 20 also requires manufacturers to eliminate toxics from televisions and computers sold in California by 2007. Smith says SB 20 is a good start, but he looks forward to upgradeable computers. “I think people are getting fed up with having to junk a perfectly good machine because some new software comes along,” Smith said. “Whoever can bring that model to the consumer will win a lot of converts.”

In the meantime, here’s what to do with your obsolete computers and electronics:

For residents of Los Angeles County

L.A. County Materials Exchange To donate a working computer to a school, try listing it on the free internet bulletin board LACoMAX, a service of the L.A. County Department of Public Works, Specify “for schools and nonprofits only.”

Mobile Collection Centers Locations countywide (includes L.A.). Free and open to all county residents. For schedule, call 888-CLEANLA (253-2652) or see http://www.888CleanLA.com or http://ladpw.org/epd/hhw/schedule.cfm All household hazard waste collection events accept residential e-waste. Electronics only; no “white goods” (e.g., refrigerators, dishwashers).

Programs of Individual Cities

Burbank: All electronic and electric items. Drop off at Burbank Recycle Center, 500 S. Flower St., Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-4pm., 818-238-3900.

Glendale: Free residential curbside pick-up of TVs and monitors only. Call (818) 548-3916 three working days in advance of your regular collection day.

Norwalk: E-waste pick-up by Curbside Recycling (private contractor). Fee (city-subsidized) is $30 for each pick-up, 800-449-7587.

Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach: E-waste drop-off center, 2420 Marine Ave., Redondo Beach, Wed.-Sat., 9am-1pm, 310-318-0665. http://www.redondo.org/depts/public_works/recycling/hazardous_waste.asp

Santa Monica: All electronic and electric items. Drop off at Recycling Facility, 2401 Delaware Ave., Mon.-Sat., 6am-2pm, 310-829-7323. http://pen.ci.santa-monica.ca.us/environment/resource.htm

City of Los Angeles These Solvents-Automotive-Flammables-Electronics (SAFE) Collection Centers accept computers, monitors, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, TVs, video games, cell phones, radios, stereos, VCRs, and electronic toys. They also accept household hazard waste: motor oil, paint, aerosols, etc.

SAFE Collection Center.
2649 E. Washington Blvd..
Los Angeles, CA 90021.
Fri., Sat., Sun. 9am-3pm Also accepts bulky items (e.g., furniture, appliances, doors, bikes), seven days a week, 9am-5pm. Bring Dept. of Water and Power bill and photo ID.

Gaffey Street SAFE Collection Center
1400 N. Gaffey St.
San Pedro, CA 90731.
Fri., Sat., Sun. 9am-3pm

Hyperion SAFE Collection Center.
7660 W. Imperial Hwy., Gate B.
Playa del Rey, CA 90293.
Sat., Sun. 9am-3pm.

Randall Street SAFE Collection Center.
11025 Randall St..
Sun Valley, CA 91352.
Sat., Sun., Mon. 9am-3pm

For Residents of Orange County

Permanent collection centers The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCC) accept televisions and computer monitors, no other e-waste. Declaration of county residency required. Information: phone 714-834-6752 or www.oclandfills.com. Hours at all four facilities: Tues.-Sat., 9am-1pm, closed rainy days and major holidays.

HHWCC-Rainbow Disposal Facility
17121 Nichols St., Gate 6
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Irvine Regional HHWCC
6411 Oak Canyon
Irvine, CA 92618

HHWCC-Prima Deshecha Landfill
32250 La Pata Ave.
San Juan Capistrano, CA

HHWCC - CVT Public Recycling Center
1071 N. Blue Gum St
. Anaheim, CA 92806

Individual cities Contact your city for the date of its annual household hazardous waste roundup.

For more information on e-waste, see Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition,www.svtc.org

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