Colorado State Publications Blog

Electronics Recycling

By Amy Zimmer: Published on
Colorado State Publications Blog
Today is America Recycles Day, so it’s a good day to unload all of the useless old electronic equipment you have laying around the house. Many times we hang on to these items because we don’t know how to get rid of them. Just recently I threw an old printer in the dumpster because I didn’t know what else to do with it (I know, bad, bad, bad), but now, thanks to the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment, I know better – and by visiting their Electronics and Computer Waste webpage, so can you. Here you can find out exactly how – and where – to dispose of your old computer parts, because, as I also learned,
Electronic equipment like computer monitors, central processing units (CPUs), keyboards, mice, scanners, and cell phones contain a number of hazardous constituents such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and silver. Many of these constituents are found on the circuit boards or in the glass. Computers also contain a battery such as nickel-cadmium, lithium or sealed lead acid. These constituents are not a concern while the equipment is in use, but if disposed of in a landfill, harmful chemicals could leach out and contaminate groundwater and soil.  —CDPHE
In fact, starting on July 1, 2013, it will be against the law in Colorado to dispose of electronics in landfills, according to SB12-133, passed last session. This includes not only computer parts, but also household appliances, televisions, and exercise equipment. The new law also asks counties to hold more electronics recycling events.
Amy Zimmer
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