End-of-Life-Electronics Recycling
Escambia County residents and businesses can drop off, for no charge, electronics such as computers and all their parts, VCR's, fax machines, TVs, copiers, microwaves, and telephones at the Perdido Landfill. For large amounts of electronics call, 850-937-2160, to schedule a time for drop off.
End of life electronics are also collected from residents for no charge at Regional Roundups which are held quarterly at local high schools. For more information see the Regional Roundup page or call the Perdido Landfill at 850-937-2160.
Why
Should I Recycle My Electronics?
The circuit boards inside these units contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals that could pose a threat to the environment if not properly disposed. The chips can sometimes be reused, but are usually melted down and used for new chips. The picture tube inside monitors and TVs contain between three and five pounds of lead, depending on the size. The front part, or screen, of the monitors and TVs are removed and can be used in the manufacturing of new products.
In the past
decade, our growing dependence on electronic products
both at home, and in the workplace, has given rise
to a new environmental challenge: Electronic
waste. A recent study by the U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency shows that electronics already make
up approximately 1 percent of the municipal waste
stream. Research shows that electronics waste
is growing at three times the rate of other municipal
waste.Here's why you need to be concerned:
- According to the U.S. EPA, over 20 million personal
computers became obsolete in 1998 and only 13 percent
were reused or recycled.
- Electronic circuit boards, batteries, and color
cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain hazardous materials
such as lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium.
If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins
can be released into the environment through incinerator
ash or landfill leachate.
- In just one year, over 112 million pounds of
valuable materials were recovered from disposed
electronics for recycling and reuse. Materials
included steel, glass, plastics and precious metals.
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How
can I reduce Electronic Waste?
To help
reduce electronics waste remember:
Reuse:
Schools,
non-profit organizations and lower-income families
can benefit from your equipment if it is still functional.
Donate:
Many charitable
organizations and training programs repair equipment
for reuse.
Recycle:
A growing
number of municipalities offer electronics collection
as part of household hazardous waste collections or
special events.
Buy "green"
products. Look for electronics that:
- Are made with fewer toxins
- Use recycled content
- Are energy efficient
- Are designed for easy upgrade or disassembly
- Use less packaging
- Offer lease or take-back options
Who
recycles electronics?
All of these
organizations can process or de-manufacture electronics.
Please contact the individual processor for more information
on specifications and types of materials accepted.
Creative
Recycling Systems, Inc.
Global
Investment Recovery, Inc.
Jack's
Recycling
Quicksilver
Recycling Services
Phone: 813-886-1494
Fax: 813-886-6252
Toll Free:
877-937-3873
Recycle
America Alliance
Electronic
Xchange
S.E.E.R.
(Secure Environmental Electronics Recycling)
6902 7th
Avenue East
Tampa, FL
33619
Phone: 888-600-7337
Fax: 813-621-5457
Superior
Special Services, Inc.
Unicor
These
organizations are a few examples of markets and uses
for recycled electronics.
Important
Electronics Recycling Links
Check out
these websites and organizations for the latest news
and valuable information on electronics recycling,
and program development and implementation.
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Electronic Recycling