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Recycle Ann Arbor

Making Electronics Recycling a Priority

By Laura Biernat
August/September Issue, 2004

The rapid pace of advancement in technology is contributing heavily to the already growing waste stream by rendering previously cutting-edge electronics obsolete. Currently, the useful life of a computer is only three to five years and shrinking. By 2005, it’s estimated that one computer will be discarded for every new computer made. That will be more than 250 million personal computers tossed per year.

Electronics are ripe for recycling.In 1999, only 14% of computers were recycled or donated. The rest ended up in landfills. Composed of a variety of highly recyclable materials, including precious metals and engineered plastics and glass, electronics provide manufacturers with an alternative to virgin materials, saving energy and reducing pollution.

Electronics also contain a variety of hazardous and toxic substances that can be detrimental to the environment when discarded in landfills. Televisions and computer monitors both contain up to eight pounds of lead per unit, which has been shown to cause damage to the nervous system, blood system, and kidneys in humans. Computers contain cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and brominated flame-retardants, all of which are linked to serious ailments in humans.

Currently, 75% of the electronics recycled are coming from electronics manufacturers and large organizations. We need to work together to increase electronic recycling participation among local residents andbusinesses.

Recycle Ann Arbor’s Drop Off Station (DOS) has recycled over one million pounds of electronics since its introduction in April 2001. Located at 2950 East Ellsworth at the corner of Platt, the DOS started accepting electronics for recycling in an attempt to deter electronics waste from landfills and incinerators.

Today the Drop Off Station accepts and recycles desktop computers, printers, VCRs, stereos, copiers, monitors, televisions, CDs, computer disks, and audio and videotapes for minimal fees. The DOS, which Recycle Ann Arbor operates on behalf of Washtenaw County, is open Mon. through Fri. 9 am to 6 pm, and Sat. 9 am to 5 pm throughout the summer months.

Area residents and businesses may recycle a variety of materials at the Drop Off Station, some with a fee, including mixed paper, mixed containers, Styrofoam, rechargeable batteries, hardcover books, tires, car batteries, transmission fluid, antifreeze, motor oil, oil filters, fluorescent light tubes, and Freon appliances. The Drop Off Station also accepts light waste, building materials, yard waste, ferrous (steel) metals, and concrete for a fee.

To help minimize the impact of electronics on the environment, consumers are encouraged to seek products that have reduced toxic content, greater recycled content, higher energy efficiency,and longer life expectancy. New electro-nics should be easy to upgrade and con-tain features that facilitate end-of-life recycling. Also consider purchasing refur-bished or remanufactured electronics.

For more information, call the Drop Off Station directly at (734) 971-7400, or visit them online at www.recycleannarbor.org for a complete list of accept-ed materials and their associated fees.

Laura Biernat is Marketing Coordinator for Recycle Ann Arbor,
a non-profit subsidiary of the Ecology Center.

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