Ready to Recycle

You’ve relied on your trusty computer for many years, but sadly it can no longer keep up with the younger models out there. It’s time to trade up. But before you pull the plug, consider these possibilities:

• Improve it by adding memory or other upgrades.
• Donate working computers to a school or charity.
• Take it to a recycler where some parts can be reused or its heavy metals recycled.

Where to Recycle

• Participate in a collection event listed on the Missouri e-cycling events Web page.
• Take your unwanted electronics to one of the recyclers listed on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Computer/Electronics Recycling List. If you need more information, call the department's Hazardous Waste Program at 573-751-3176 or 800-361-4827.

  Facts It is estimated that Americans own more than 500 million TVs (working and non-working) in the U.S. The CRT (cathode ray tube) in a TV monitor can contain up to four pounds of lead. The National Safety Council estimates that nearly 63 million computers became obsolete in 2005. The average life span of a computer has fallen from 4.5 years in 1992 to an estimated two years in 2005. An estimated 10.2 million used computers are exported from the U.S. each year. Most end up in countries that have less stringent environmental laws than in the U.S. Source: Basel Action Network

• Participate in a collection event hosted by your city, county or solid waste management district. If you need more information, call the department's Solid Waste Program at 800-361-4827.
• Visit EPA's Web site for a list of manufacturer, retailer, donation and recycling programs.
• Contact electronics retailers in your community to find out if they have a take-back or recycling program. 
• Visit EPA's Plug-In To eCycling Partners Web page for links to manufacturers and retailers that collect, reuse or recycle old electronics.

What to Recycle

Each collection site has its own list of accepted items and fees, if applicable. The most commonly accepted items are:

• Computers - CPUs, monitors, keyboards, mice.
• Printers.
• TVs.
• Hand held devices.
• Cell phones.

Note: Fees are often necessary to cover the recycler’s costs to dispose of the hazardous components. Check with the individual recycler to find out more about its services and fees