Electronic waste, or e-waste as it is commonly referred to, is unwanted, obsolete, or unusable electronic products such as computers and computer peripherals, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, and hand-held cell phones. Management and disposal of e-waste has become a serious problem among states nationwide, including Idaho. Why?

It's taking up valuable landfill space.

The volume of e-waste is growing rapidly as technology advances. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that e-waste makes up about one to two percent of the municipal solid waste stream in the U.S. According to research in Europe, e-waste is growing at three times the rate of other municipal waste. Between 1997 and 2007, an estimated 500 million computers will become obsolete. In addition, as we transition from analog to digital television, we can expect millions of television sets to be replaced with new DTV models.

It can contain hazardous materials.

Much of the focus on managing e-waste revolves around Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), often called "picture tubes," which convert an electronic signal into a visual image. Computer monitors, televisions, some camcorders, and other electronic devices contain CRTs. A typical CRT contains between two and five pounds of lead.

At least two states, California and Massachusetts, have classified CRTs as hazardous waste and have banned them from municipal landfills. California's law is the first in the nation to require a fee of $6 to $10 on computers and televisions to be used to establish a statewide electronics recycling system. EPA is conducting internal review of a proposed CRT rule that would treat CRTs similar to univeral wastes, thereby decreasing regulatory burdens in the collection and storage of these items. EPA expects to have a final rule by early-2005.

E-waste can be managed in various ways, depending upon its continued usability, availability of reprocessing facilities, where it is generated, and other factors. Here are some options:

• Reuse:
  Preventing waste in the first place is the preferred management option. Consider repairing or upgrading your used electronic equipment so you can continue to use it. In some cases, for example, adding memory to a computer or upgrading software can improve the unit's performance and extend its usefulness. Instead of purchasing a new digital television, consider purchasing a converter box to receive and reformat DTV signals.
  
  
• Donate:
  As the amount of electronic waste has increased, many charitable organizations have become overwhelmed with electronic waste and either no longer accept it or must bear the cost of disposal, further straining their limited budgets. Some charities, schools, materials exchanges, and other organizations may still be interested, however. Call first to check the organization's minimum requirements and to verify that the unit will be accepted.
  
  
• Recycle:
  In response to consumer concerns, several electronics manufacturing companies have implemented take-back programs. Some programs allow the purchaser to pay a fee at the time of sale to cover shipping to a reprocessing facility when the unit becomes unwanted or obsolete. Others allow owners to ship e-waste to their facilities for a nominal fee or will provide owners with a rebate when the unit is shipped to a participating recycling center. Some waste management companies also offer similar management options to households and businesses.
  
  Units may be reused or dismantled for recycling. The silver, gold, lead and other heavy metals as well as some of the plastics and glass are recycled. Some companies guarantee 100% of the unit is recycled while others recycle as much as possible and then dispose of the rest as required by applicable regulations.
  
  For more information on where to recycle used electronics in Idaho, visit DEQ's online Recycling Directory or jump to the Links section below for Web sites of computer manufacturers that recycle computers and other electronic office equipment.
  
  
• Dispose:
  By far, the least preferred option is to landfill electronic waste. Households are allowed to put these items in the trash for disposal in most municipal solid waste landfills. Businesses and other non-household generators disposing of e-waste must determine if the units would be characterized as hazardous, however, and, if so, must include the weight of these units in their monthly calculations of hazardous waste generation. Facilities that generate hazardous waste are regulated by state and federal rules that govern permitting, storage, transport and disposal.