COMPUTER RECYCLING

Many people are faced today with what to do with their old computer systems or electronic devices. For most of us, it is difficult to "toss" a computer system or electronic device that is still fully functional. Rapid advances in both software and hardware development, have rendered most systems outdated after three or four years. It is no wonder that we may often find old computer systems in business storerooms and home closets. This issue is being debated nationally, as many states are looking at ways to keep unusable computer and/or electronic equipment out of the waste stream. Computer monitors are a particular focus of the debate. Each cathode-ray tube (CRT) contains four to six pounds of lead, which is considered a hazardous waste. Many states have proposed legislation that would ban CRT's, including computer monitors and TV's from landfills.

This raises questions regarding who is ultimately responsible for the collection, disposal or possible reuse of this equipment. Discussions among federal, state, environmental groups, and the manufacturing industry are ongoing and programs and policies are beginning to evolve. The solutions are split between two general approaches: producer responsibility (the manufacturers should establish take-back programs for their equipment) and an advance recovery fee (applied at the sale, generating funds for government to dole out to support recycling collection and processing). A recent survey indicated that by the year 2007, 500 million personal computers would become obsolete.

A few states have moved forward with policy legislation, some imposing disposal restrictions or bans on CRTs. California recently established a ban on all e-waste and has set up an advance recovery fee to subsidize the costs of recycling the CRTs. The other computer components are recycled at no cost in California.

On Oahu, e-waste has also been banned from disposal as of July 2006. Large quantity commercial generators must seek recycling alternatives. Household and small quantity generators are exempt in accordance with EPA guidelines. Households are not restricted from disposing of computer equipment in their regular trash. Local businesses or commercial entities, which generate computer waste should contact the state Department of Health - Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch for more information, or refer to the electronic scrap recyclers listed below.

All types of generators -- commercial, government, household – are encouraged to investigate reuse options offered by local non-profits and take-back programs offered by manufacturers.

Costco
Costco.com's Trade-In & Recycle Program allows members to ship their unwanted electronics (free of charge) to an e-scrap partner (GreenSight). Costco would then send the member a Costco cash card based on the value of the returned electronics. The Costco program covers PCs, digital cameras, camcorders, game systems, MP3 players, monitors, etc.


Dell
Dell offers customers an opportunity to recycle their old computer equipment. You can learn more about their asset recovery and recycling program by visiting their website at
www.dell.com.

Gateway
If you are in the market to purchase a new PC, Gateway will pay you for your old PC regardless of manufacturer. For more information on Gateway's trade-in program, click here. Gateway accepts only Pentium class computers.

Hewlett-Packard
Hewlett-Packard is offering customers an opportunity to recycle their old computer equipment. You can visit their recycling website at www.hp.com/go/recycle.

IBM
IBM offers an opportunity to recycle old computer systems for a small fee which includes shipping. To obtain more information about this program, click here.

Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
CEA unveiled a new initiative to educate consumers on what it called,"the 4R's," - reducing energy use, reusing old products, recycling no longer useful ones, and rethinking purchasing decisions. The initiative is showcased at a new Web site - www.mygreenelectronics.org.

In Hawaii

E-Waste Recycling Event
The University of Hawaii is promoting an E-Waste collection event sponsored by Apple from October 20 24, 2008 for UH, DOE, public and private K-12 schools, City & County, State, Federal agencies, and Military branches. A public drop-off day is schedule for October 25. Click here for details.

Hawaii Open Source Education Foundation (HOSEF)
HOSEF "sells hope" by building learning opportunities around previously discarded but still functional computers. Consistent with the EPA's Plugin eCycling programs, HOSEF endeavors to make a reusable computer as available as a new computer. HOSEF is a member driven charitable non-profit with a mission to promote Free and Open Source Software. Through two programs, Computer Guts and their Gnu Linux Edutainment Learning Centers, they are able to ecycle most computers and provide them to schools, non-profits, developing nations, and individuals in need. By partnering with the Boys and Girls Club in Ewa Beach, HOSEF provides classes and workshops to sustain its donations. If you have it, they will take it, donate it, sell it, or recycle it. Donation Information and Contact Details are available at hosef.org.

Aloha Computers for Education in Samoa (ACES)
ACES collects and refurbishes used computers from Hawaii for donation to rural schools in Samoa. We are looking for working desktop PCs (sorry, no Macs) that are Pentium III or
better. We also take laptops of any kind. Please contact Shawn at info@aces-samoa.org or visit our website at www.aces-samoa.org

Computers for Kids
The "Hawaii Computers for Kids Program" has been coordinated by the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu since 1992. Over 150 schools throughout the state rebuild donated personal computers for use in classrooms. You may call the Program Coordinator, Ken Goldstein, for information on how to donate to this program, or you can e-mail the "Hawaii Computers for Kids Program" at info@catii.com. The program currently accepts Pentium 4 and later Celeron PCs, Mac G4s and faster models, printers connecting with USB, and one working monitor with each acceptable computer; other items may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Donation receipts are offered.

Dr. Ken Goldstein, 521-2259, info@catii.com
Program Coordinator

Aloha Aina Earth Day (monthly)
Householders are welcome to drop off obsolete computer equipment at these monthly events. Click here for more information.

Computer Recycling for Businesses & Householders
Old computers can be recycled for their plastic, aluminum, gold, silver and copper components. Although there is a fee of approximately .75¢ per pound, many businesses prefer to pay for recycling rather than disposal. Householder computers are welcome by those companies where noted. The recyclers listed below can provide, at your request, complete details regarding the disposition of your equipment to mainland e-scrap processors.

Enviroservices: 839-7222
Contact: Curtis Laa

  • Commercial accounts and householder accounts.
  • Will do pickup of commercial and householders for a fee.
  • Computers/ all e-scrap, copy machines etc.

Haztech Environmental Services: 671-1985
Contact: Scott Fraser

  • Commercial accounts only
  • Computers/ all e-scrap, copy machines etc.
  • Pickup by appointment only

Pacific Commercial Services: 545-4599
Contact: Winnie-Hazardous Specialist
Hours: 8AM-5PM
5 Sand Island Access Road, Building 931

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Computers, all e-scrap, copy machines etc.

Lenox Resources, Inc.: 682-5539
Hours: 8AM-5PM
91-445 Komohana St. (Campbell Industrial Park)

  • Commercial and householder accounts
  • Computers, all e-scrap, copy machines etc.

SD Systems Inc.: 836-7950
Contact: Dan Ikei
91-210 Kalaeloa Blvd.

  • Commercial accounts and householder accounts
  • Drop-off and pickup available
  • Computers, all e-scrap, copy machines etc.

T & N Services: 371-0281
Contact: Terri Lo

  • Commercial accounts and householder accounts
  • Computers, all e-scrap, copy machines etc.
  • Pickup and drop-off by appointment for a fee

Your comments and questions regarding the reuse and recycling of computers and electronics are appreciated. Email them to opala.org.
© 2005 City & County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services.