Background:
Using computers is now as much a part of our daily activities as driving a car or using a microwave oven. But, unlike cars or ovens, computers become ‘out of date' at an astounding rate, usually with only three years of use. The problem is that computers have toxic components. A typical processor and monitor contain five to eight pounds of lead and heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury and arsenic. Consequently, computers pose a formidable solid waste challenge, not only in terms of sheer numbers, but also in terms of environmental risk.
The Law: What a school or business should know
Disposal of computers is subject to the Maine Hazardous Waste Management Regulations. As of January, 2001, the Universal Waste (UW) provisions of those rules set specific management standards for recycling waste computers. Throwing old computers into the dumpster with the regular trash is not a legal option unless, through laboratory testing, the computer can be proven to be non hazardous. (Note that laboratory testing would likely be more expensive than the cost of recycling.)
The Law: What a homeowner should know
Beginning July 20, 2006, it is illegal to dispose of computer monitors and televisions generated as wastes by households in Maine. Instead, all waste computer monitors and televisions must be recycled. Maine has a system of “shared responsibility” for the recycling of computer monitors and televisions. Maine’s “Shared Responsibility” system requires the consumer, their municipality, and manufacturers to all have a role in making sure computer monitors and televisions get recycled in an environmentally sound way.
Universal Waste Municipal Collection Sites (MS Excel format) (pdf format) - This is a listing by town of municipal collection sites that accept Universal Waste. The green blocks signify that we have gathered the information from those towns. White means we were not able to reach anyone in that municipal office. Blue means that they will take from anyone in the state not just for the residents in their town. Retail Store Collection Sites (MS Excel format) - This is a listing by town of retail store collection sites that collect intact compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This is a service for homeowners and is free of charge. The CFLs are sent for recycling through this program. If anyone finds any errors or changes to these listings, please contact the Hazardous Waste Program staff at 287-2651.
Consolidators approved to participate in Maine's household TV and computer monitor recycling system (htm format)
Maine’s E-Waste Law
For more information on Maine’s E-Waste Law, contact Carole Cifrino at (207) 287-7720 or (207) 287-2651 or at carole.a.cifrino@maine.gov.
Alternatives to disposal for schools, businesses and homeowners
There are plenty of ways to practice the three "R's" - reduce, reuse or recycle.
Reduce
- Lease equipment. This may be a good option for businesses and schools. When it's time to upgrade, the old unit is returned to the vendor, sometimes for credit towards a new computer. (Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Computers – Leasing'.)
Identify durable products. Before you buy a new computer, check repair histories and consumer ratings through consumer publications.
Repair instead of replace, if at all possible. (Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Computer Repair'.)
Buy upgradable computers. If you can upgrade with a single component, you may save money and delay dealing with the disposal issue.
Reuse
Some computers still have useful life, even if they cannot handle the latest software. Nursing homes, schools, youth centers, municipal offices and charity or non-profit organizations may welcome donations of working older computers.
If no outlet can be found in your community, try the following:
- Ruth's Reusable Resources coordinates computer donations from businesses to schools. Computer donations should have a Pentium processor or better. Contact Chris Slater via email or by phone at 207-883-8407. Ruth's also has a web site.
Recycle
Although there may be a cost involved, recycling options abound, including:
Municipal collection: Many Maine towns/solid waste districts are already collecting computer monitors and televisions for recycling. Starting July 20, 2006, all municipalities must provide their residents with a way to recycle their household televisions and computer monitors. This can be done through on-going collections at a solid waste facility, with an annual one-day collection, or through contracting with a local universal waste consolidation business to accept computer monitors and televisions from residents. Contact your municipal office or local solid waste /recycling facility to find out how you can 
recycle your old computer monitor or television. Places that accept computer monitors for recycling also usually accept CPU's at no cost (CPUs have valuable micrometallics that are worth more than the cost of recycling).
- Consolidation and recycling companies: Schools or businesses may have to call a company that charges a fee to take computers for recycling. Some companies are Transporters/Consolidators. This means they will pick up your computers, take them to a facility for consolidation, and then transport the computers to another company that will do the actual recycling. Other companies are Recyclers. This means that they actually break down the computers and recycle the useful components. (See partial list at the end of this document.)
- Manufacturer "take-back": Some manufacturers of computers are offering take-back programs or reuse incentives. This means that a computer can be returned to the manufacturer or a designated company for recycling, or donated to a charity for credit. There may be substantial fees for sending your computer back to the manufacturer, but government entities are negotiating with to make this a more affordable and user friendly system. Specific program details are available on the companies' web sites.
For more information on household or school computer recycling contact:
Ann Pistell
Maine DEP
17 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0017
207-287-2651 or 287-7703
For more information on business computer recycling contact:
Hazardous Waste Staff
Maine DEP
Augusta Office 207-287-2651
Bangor Office 207-941-4570
Portland Office 207-822-6300
List of Universal Waste Management & Recycling Companies
