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FREE E-WASTE RECYCLING IN WASHINGTON

The state of Washington began accepting e-waste for free in January of 2009. To read a more detailed story by Tom Sowa, that gives local information for the Spokane area, go to www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/jan/07/e-waste-finds-a-home.

www.ecyclewashington.org and http://1800recycle.wa.gov websites will give you complete recycling information for the state of Washington; www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm will give information for all 50 states.

It is estimated that the average home has 24 electronic devices at any one time. Businesses in general use even more. Because much of e-waste contains hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, it is important to keep these pollutants out of our landfills and water supply.

Currently, Washington residents and small businesses can recycle computers, laptops, monitors and TVs for free at designated businesses that accept e-waste. Please refer to www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm for detailed information on ecycling in other states.

When the Green Business Association called 1-800-RECYCLE we were told that keyboards, mice, printers, fax machines and modems were not currently being accepted, but that Staples will recycle keyboards and  mice for free. A call to Staples explained that they will also take printers, fax machines, modems and other small electronic for a charge of $10 (current charge as of 1/13/09). Because policies can change at any time, please call your local Staples for current information, call 1-800-333-3330 to talk to their corporate office or go to their website at www.staples.com. A local Staples told us that Dell products can be dropped off at Staples for free, because of an agreement Dell has with Staples. Again, this could be subject to change so please call your local Staples store for up-to-date, accurate information.

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