Electronics Waste Reduction
V-REMS Electronics Waste Reduction Highlight Sheet
Electronics Waste Workgroup Goal:
To conserve natural resources and prevent pollution by recycling obsolete electronics that typically end up as part of the waste stream.
How to Get Involved:
If you would like to participate on the V-REMS Electronics Waste Reduction Workgroup, please contact vrems.admin@getf.org.
Background:
Electronic waste, also called e-waste, is a new environmental challenge posed by ever advancing technology in the world of electronic products. Even though obsolete electronics, such as computer monitors and televisions, can serve as a valuable source for secondary raw materials, when not treated properly they create a major source of toxins including lead, mercury, and cadmium. When recycled, millions of pounds of materials can be recovered from electronics, including steel, glass, plastic, and precious metals.
| Quick Facts: Electronic Waste | |
- According to U.S. EPA, nearly 3 million tons of consumer electronic waste was generated in 2003 alone (most current aggregate data available). Of that 3 million tons, an estimated 11 percent was recycled.
- The average lifespan of a Personal Computer (PC) has decreased from 4.5 years in 1992 to 2 years in 2005.
- Computer and television monitors with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) contain, on average, four to eight pounds of lead. EPA identified electronic products as the largest single source of lead in municipal solid waste.
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The Challenge: Electronics Waste as a Growing Part of the Waste Stream
E-waste is an increasingly large portion of the waste stream going to landfills. Unfortunately, this trend will continue as new products are developed and old products become obsolete at a faster rate. In trying to remain technologically up-to-date, V-REMS partners, both in the public and private sector, can generate electronics waste when replacing obsolete machines and equipment.
A Solution: Effective and Efficient Electronics Recycling and Reuse
The V-REMS partnership successfully leveraged skills and resources, and connected partners to achieve effective and efficient electronics recycling as well as beneficial reuse. By combining forces V-REMS partners and other community members are given access to electronics recycling. At little to no cost, partners are encouraged to help reduce the waste stream. Besides reducing electronic waste and producing a cleaner environment, V-REMS partners also donate out-dated cell phones, computers, printers, and other equipment which are refurbished and distributed to schools and those less fortunate in the community.
| Accomplishments* and Projections |
- Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) joined Chesterfield County and Ukrop's Super Markets to provide e-cycling drop-off events for residents in Chesterfield County and the greater Richmond area. In 2006, CVWMA collected 84,723 lbs of electronic waste and 760 cars during seven e-cycling events, twice as much as previous years.
- At Earth Day activities at Chesterfield Towne Center and Richmond, CVWMA collected over 14.5 tons of electronic waste, including computer systems and accessories, printers, scanners, copiers, telephones, cell phones, fax machines, VCRs, camcorders, stereos, and microwaves.
- Through Tyson Food's computer upgrade e-cycling program, each year thousands of old instruments and equipment are sent to a third party company which erases all data, refurbishes the units, and distributes them to various organizations in need.
- In FY2007, the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR) recycled 209 computer monitors, 208 printers (including faxes, digital senders, and projectors), 654 laptops, and 500 desktop computers.
- Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) donated over 250 working computer units to Virginia schools and non-profits.
- The City of Charlottesville also participates in the Rivanna Environmental Management System Alliance (REMSA). As one of their primary efforts, REMSA partners initiated e-waste collection and recycling events that resulted in 178,873 lbs or over 89 tons of electronic waste being diverted from landfills. All materials were either reused, refurbished, or recycled.
- DEQ established an Electronics Waste Management Advisory Committee (in 2004) to review the Commonwealth's electronics recycling infrastructure. This committee, upon which several V-REMS partners serve, derived a working paper, "Guiding Principles for eWaste Management in Virginia," for use by localities.
*In some cases, the accomplishments identified are the results of individual V-REMS partners' voluntary efforts. In others, environmental projects were already in effect when organizations joined V-REMS and experiences were shared. In most instances, partners identified common problems or needs or solutions, shared their experiences, and developed joint projects resulting in environmental improvements. |
Projected Metrics of Success
The following calculations represent the aggregate amount of waste removed from the waste stream by CVWMA and other V-REMS partners. As additional partners implement and report on their electronics waste practices, the numbers will be added to the partnership's total. The process for calculating and evaluating metrics of success will undoubtedly evolve -- suggestions are welcome. |
 | - Ten V-REMS partners are involved in electronics waste recycling and reuse, including thee partners who participate in the Federal Electronics Challenge.
- V-REMS total electronic waste recycled, refurbished, or reused was over 555,000 lbs or 278 tons with an estimated 35,000 lbs of lead diverted from the waste stream.
- In under two years, over 2,000 participants dropped off nearly 210,000 pounds of used electronic equipment to CVWMA's e-cycling events.
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