Where can I dispose of computer monitors, printers, copiers and other
equipment that is otherwise useless? Please provide local resources if
possible

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 01 Sep 2002 09:36 PDT

Approximately where are you? We can't provide local resources without
knowing what is "local" to you.

Hi mbirms-ga,

I am glad to see you are interested in recycling your computers and
other electronics.  Such electronic scrap is commonly referred to as
"e-waste." Since you didn't provide me with your location, its
difficult to provide you with local resources, but I will do my best.

First off, here is some general information you should know about
computer recycling:

There are two types of organizations that accept computers and
electronic components for "recycling."  Some organizations take only
working equipment, and give it to schools and families in need who
could not otherwise afford a computer.  The advantage to giving
equipment to one of these organizations is that it is tax-deductible.
The second form of organization takes equipment and disassembles it
into raw parts and materials for recycling.  This is great for ancient
or non-working equipment, however many companies charge to accept
electronics for this service.
Another consideration is choosing a reputable recycler - many
recyclers extract only gold and other precious metals from the
components, then ship the rest to Asia to be dumped.  Finding a
company that insures that your electronic scrap will be recycled
completely is a necessity. (For more information see: "U.S. Waste Is
Third World Hazard."  Associated Press.  25 Feb 2002)

The following are companies and directories of companies that accept
computers and electronics for recycling, followed by a brief
description of each site:

"PEP National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs"
http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Recycle/recycle_index.html

This site includes a directory, by state, that will allow you to find
local computer recycling programs.

"Hardware Recycling"
https://warp1.external.hp.com/recycle/

This service is run by Hewlett-Packard, Inc. and accepts computers and
computer equipment recycling for a fee.  The shipping cost is built
into the fee charged.

"National Cristina Foundation"
http://www.cristina.org

One of the largest and oldest computer donation programs around.

"Back Through the Future"
http://www.thegreenpc.com/

An EPA approved computer recycling company.

"National Recycling Coalition -- Electronics Recycling Initiative"
http://www.nrc-recycle.org/resources/electronics/index.htm

A site designed and hosted by the National Recycling Coalition, which
provides information on computer recycling and computer recyclers.

"EIA Environment: Consumer Education Initiatives (CEI) Homepage"
http://www.eiae.org/

A large site dedicated to computer recycling programs.  Sorts programs
by State and maintains a list of National programs.

I hope this information helps.  If you cannot find any local recycling
programs to fit your needs, please provide me with your location, and
I will conduct further research.

-rmn-ga

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Clarification of Answer by rmn-ga on 01 Sep 2002 13:59 PDT

SEARCH STRATEGY:

computer recycling in Google
"computer recycling" in Google
Using Energystar.com (on which I remember there was posted links to
the last two pages I mentioned"
Wired "computer recycling" - For AP Artical

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Request for Answer Clarification by mbirms-ga on 02 Sep 2002 08:05 PDT

SORRY! I'm in Portland, Maine.  Thanks for the information thus far. 
Look forward to any local info you might have.
Thanks again.
-MB

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Clarification of Answer by rmn-ga on 02 Sep 2002 08:34 PDT

The Maine Deptartment of Enviromental Protection has a very
informative page on recycling computers in Maine:

"Computer Recycling in Maine"
http://www.state.me.us/dep/rwm/computerrecy.htm

This site includes information regarding the laws in Maine with
regards to electronics recycling, as well as a list of municipalities
that accept e-waste.

"Twenty-four Maine towns/solid waste districts have received grants to
provide storage sheds for collected computers. Most will be accepting
computers from surrounding municipalities, so that potentially 167
Maine communities will be served. (If you are a school or business
considering this option, check to see whether a fee is charged and to
confirm that the computers will be accepted before delivery!)"

While Portland is not specifically listed as one of the twenty-four,
it is more than likely that residents of Portland will be able to drop
off their e-waste at the closest recycling facility.  I suggest you
call the facility nearest to you to confirm this.

In addition, there is a list of companies that accept computers and
computer monitors.  Four such companies are in Portland, however they
only accept CRTs (computer monitors that are not flatscreen).  These
companies are:

Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
17 Main Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-8111
On the web: www.cleanharbors.com
Transporter/Consolidator
Wastes accepted: lamps, PCB ballasts, batteries, CRTs, and mercury
thermostats

ENPRO Services Inc.
44 Rigby Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-0733
Fax: (207) 773-6693
On the web: www.enpro.com
Transporter/Consolidator
Wastes accepted: lamps, PCB ballasts, batteries, CRTs, mercury
thermostats

Fleet Environmental Services of Maine, LLC
1 Lincoln Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 774-2111
On the web: www.cleanstart.com/fleet/fleet.htm
Transporter/Consolidator
Wastes accepted: lamps, PCB ballasts, batteries, CRTs, and mercury
thermostats

Maine Labpack, Inc.
248 Preble Street
South Portland ME 04106
(207) 767-1933
Transporter/Consolidator
Wastes accepted: lamps, PCB ballasts, batteries, CRTs, and mercury
thermostats

I hope this information is of assistance to you.  If there is any
further help I can provide please request clarification.

-rmn-ga

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Clarification of Answer by rmn-ga on 02 Sep 2002 08:35 PDT

SEARCH STRATEGY:

"computer recycling" Maine in Google:
://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=%22computer+recycling%22+Maine

Couldn't ask for a more complete answer! Thank you!

The EPA has a great web site that will answer this go to 
http://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/electronicsinfo.htm.
This will discuss computer waste.

Try this also  http://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/electronics.htm#you