Consumer Electronic Waste E-waste

Community POWER Grantee MeetingOctober 15, 2008

1. The ProblemWhat is e-waste?Environmental concernsTrends driving growth

2. Minnesota SolutionsMinnesota Electronics Recycling Act

3. How Can You Help? Raise awarenessPromote recycling opportunities

Presentation Outline

What is E-waste? Any waste that has a circuit board or cathode ray tube (CRT)

Minnesotas definition includes:TelevisionsComputers: central processing units (CPUs), monitors, laptopsComputer keyboards, speakers, printers, and other peripheralsVCRs and DVD playersFax machinesfrom HOUSEHOLDS

What are the Environmental Concerns? Key contaminants:Lead in CRTs & circuit boards Cadmium in contacts & switchesBrominated flame retardants in plasticsHazards to human health and the environment if improperly managed.

Growth of E-waste: Technology Trends Technological advances speed up obsolescence & lead to more e-waste PC lifespan falling to estimated 2 years Improved TVs/monitors: HD, LCD, plasma Digital television transition set for Feb. 17, 2009

Growth of E-waste: Digital Television Transition If you use rabbit ears or rooftop antenna with an analog TV, you must act. Options:Buy a converter box to plug into your TVConnect your analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay serviceBuy a TV with a digital tunerFor more information, see:www.dtv.govwww.dtvtransition.orgwww.dtvanswers.comwww.getreadyfordigitaltv.com

Minnesota Solutions

Minnesota Solution: CRT Disposal Ban 2003 Session: Prohibition passes

Effective July 1, 2005, a person may not place in mixed municipal solid waste an electronic product containing a cathode-ray tube.

Minn. Statute 115A.9565

Passed in the 2007 SessionBegan July 1, 2007Manufacturer Responsibility based on sales weightNot based on return share or consumer fees on products as in other statesRequires registration and reporting by all parties involvedManufacturers, Collectors, Recyclers and RetailersMinnesota Solution: Electronics Recycling Act

What Can You Do? Raise Awareness Promote Recycling Opportunities

SWMCB developed a tool kit to help municipalities, counties, and other entities promote e-waste recycling to residents.

Tool kit includes:8 images3 advertisement templates2 utility bill insert templates4 articlesTop 10 Facts and Top Questions from Residents E-Waste Tool Kit

SWMCBs Key Messages & Strategies1. Easy & convenientMany recycling locations in the Twin CitiesFind sites at GreenGuardian.com

Key Messages & Strategies2. De-clutterMotivate people to get rid of, clean out

3. Use trigger events Holidays, Super Bowl, back-to-school

Key Messages & Strategies

What are the Tools? Advertising Templates

What are the tools? Free Images to Download

What are the tools? Fact sheets & ArticlesTerminologyTop 10 FactsTop Questions from ResidentsRecycle Your ElectronicsClean out Your ClutterThe Super BowlWeb articles

Where can households recycle e-waste? Lists of collection sites are available at:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agencywww.pca.state.mn.us/electronics

Solid Waste Management Coordinating Boardwww.greenguardian.com

Hennepin County Environmental Serviceswww.hennepin.us keyword search: a to z. Click on electronics.

What to do before you recycleIdentity and other personal information can be stolen from a computer, cell phone, or other data storage devices.

Before recycling your electronics, protect yourself from identity theft by removing personal data and your files.

For information on how to remove data, check with the manufacturer, the recycler, or search the Internet.

Comments & Questions?

Amy RoeringHennepin County(612) 348-8992amy.roering@co.hennepin.mn.uswww.hennepin.us

***Other electronics---cell phones and stereos can and Should be recycled but are not covered by the2007 MN electronic recycling act.*The heavy metals and some of the other materials canbecome hazards to human health and the environmentwhen they are improperly disposed*Bigger, better images, sound, featuresLower prices!*Certain populations will be disproportionately affectedSee GAO reportSeniors, low-income, minority and non-English speaking, rural, persons with disabilities

Implementation of the converter box Subsidy Program is underway.

Outreach tool kit at DTV2009.gov*****The MPCA has a great e-waste web site, complete with a listing of collections sites by County, and special collection events. PCA lists 172 collectors with 232 permanent sitesGG: 19 local collectors, 14 manufacturer programs**Both include Best Buys pilot project at 17 stores***