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| E-Waste Frequently Asked Questions | |||
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What is electronic waste? Why should I recycle my e-waste? What contaminants are found in e-waste? Where do I take my e-waste for recycling? |
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Electronic waste—or “e-waste”—is unwanted computers, televisions, audio equipment, printers, VCRs, and other electronic appliances. Generally, electronic waste includes any appliance that processes or displays information. As technology continually replaces electronics with newer, faster models, our consumer electronics become obsolete at an ever-faster rate. Many people, not knowing what to do with their outdated electronics, store them or throw them out in the trash. |
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Electronic equipment contains lead, mercury, and other materials that can be hazardous to our health and the environment if they are not managed properly. Most used electronics are thrown out in the trash, and end up in landfills or incinerators, where these hazardous materials have the potential to escape into the air, soil, or water. Additionally, electronics contain valuable resources such as precious metals, glass, and plastic which can and should be recycled. When these materials are recycled, we reduce the amount of virgin materials that are used to make new electronics, and keep toxic substances out of the environment. |
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| Toxic materials found in e-waste include lead, cadmium, mercury, and flame retardants. A typical computer monitor or television contains about 4 pounds of lead. Chromium, lead, nickel, and zinc are found in many printed circuit boards, and the batteries used in many electronics often contain nickel, cadmium, and other heavy metals. Laptops, digital cameras, and flat-panel TVs contain small mercury-containing lamps, and flame retardants are found in the rubber and plastics that are used in computers, TVs, fax machines, and many other electronic items. | |||
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Goodwill currently accepts computers and computer peripherals for recycling at no charge. You can drop your computers off at the Goodwill retail outlet at 2279 S Airport Rd in Traverse City.
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This page last updated on 4/2/2008.