E-Waste: A Growing Problem
First Tuesday of Every Month

One of the fastest growing issues in solid waste management is the problem of electronic waste, or e-waste. On a national level, the number of discarded electronic products entering our waste stream is staggering. In 1998, for example, an estimated 35 million personal computers were sold in the U.S. alone. That same year, another 20.6 million personal computers became obsolete.

Today, estimates are that for every three new computers sold, two become obsolete. That ratio is expected to reach 1:1 by 2010. At present, the best estimates are that there are between 320 and 330 million obsolete computers in the U.S. They are in closets, basements and attics everywhere. These obsolete or unwanted items will ultimately be disposed of, but at best, only 15% of them are currently recycled.

Computer monitors and televisions are hazardous because they contain significant amounts of leaded glass. A typical CRT can contain between three and six pounds of lead, depending on its size and construction. The lead is necessary to protect users from radiation produced by the computer. The EPA estimates that 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years, a number exceeded only by the amount of televisions expected to be disposed of in the next several years due to HDTV.

Do Your Part

Last year Drake Hardware & Software took in 27,590 pounds of electronic waste. We will be continuing to take e-waste on the first Tuesday of each month between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Please do your part and bring your obsolete hardware to the Ice House, located on 1012 Agency Street in Burlington (See map). Save some space in your closet and help out the environment. **Fees do apply. Please contact Drake Hardware & Software for more information.

Summer Recycling
See photos from the 2006 Summer E-Waste Pickup.

**Fees for E-Waste recycling include $1 storage fee for each dropoff (may be more than $1 if amount of E-Waste to be discarded is large), as well as a fee per pound for CRT monitors, any visual equipment containing a cathode ray tube, and printers, copiers, and fax machines. Said fees cover the handling of lead and other potentially harmful chemicals which are normally sealed in these items.

CRT monitors & other CRT visual equipment: 50¢/lb
Printers, fax machines and copiers: 50¢/lb