What happens to those old computer monitors?

Often, when a company relocates to a new office location or expands into a new area, it takes the opportunity to invest in new computers and other electronics, leaving behind a trail of what is now coming to be known as "e-waste," or unwanted old electronics. This e-waste poses a number of problems--it is difficult to store, illegal to throw in the trash, and often contains ingredients that are toxic to the environment.

Fortunately, the State of California put groundbreaking legislation info effect earlier this year that is helping pave the way for solutions to the e-waste problem. By collecting small recycling fees whenever a computer monitor or television set is sold, it is paying for a now-fully operational infrastructure for the safe and effective recycling of electronic items.

As with anything new, this system is raising some questions, some of the most common of which are answered below:

What is "e-waste," anyway?

E-waste is the informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life." Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards make up one of the fastest growing segments of our nation's waste stream. In addition, some researchers estimate that nearly 75 percent of old electronics are in storage (mostly gathering dust in the corners of garages), in part because of the uncertainty of what to do with the materials. Combine this with increasing advances in technology and new products headed towards the market and it's clear why e-waste has become a popular topic.

Why should waste electronics be recycled?

Most electronic devices contain a variety of valuable materials, including metals, that can be recovered for recycling. Recycling your waste electronics saves resources and protects the Earth because new metals don't have to be mined. In addition, some electronic products contain high enough levels of certain materials, such as lead, that must legally be disposed of properly.

What is California doing about e-waste?

For starters, the state established eRecycle.org as California's one-stop shop for information on how to manage unwanted electronics. Through this website, consumers can find out where reuse and recycling opportunities exist near them. California is also implementing landmark legislation to help develop an eRecycling infrastructure by charging a nominal recycling fee ($6-$10) on every new television or computer monitor purchased in the state of California.

What exactly is this fee I'm going to be paying all about?

An Electronic Waste Recycling Fee is assessed on certain "covered electronic devices" sold in California. "Covered" means covered by the law, and includes most video display products such as computer monitors and televisions. The fee, ranging from $6 to $10 dollars depending on screen size, will be collected at the time of retail sale, including Internet and catalog sales, to California consumers. Collected fees will be deposited in an Electronic Waste Recovery and Recycling Account managed by the State of California and will be used to develop recycling opportunities and offset the cost of properly managing these types of products at the end of their useful lives.

What products are considered "covered electronic waste?"

"Covered electronic devices" and "covered electronic wastes" include televisions and computer monitors that contain a cathode ray tube (CRT), laptop computers, and liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitors. The Department of Toxic Substances Control continues to test other products to determine if they should be covered by the program.

As a consumer, what can I do to help with this cause?

Consumers of electronic products have a responsibility to buy smart, use right, and manage well. Computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment should NOT be disposed of with regular garbage. Working TVs, monitors, computers and other consumer electronics can be sold or donated thereby prolonging their useful life. Nonfunctioning TVs, computer monitors and other obsolete electronic products should be repaired or recycled by an organization equipped to handle them.

Information for this article was provided by the State of California's Integrated Waste Management Board. For more information on the topic, explore www.erecycle.org.