Electronic Waste Recycling

Electronic waste is the fastest growing portion of our waste stream with the volume of electronics continuing to increase, while their usable lifetime continues to decrease. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, electronic products are made from valuable resources, such as precious and other metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture them. Reusing and recycling these materials from end-of-life electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing new products. Because of the toxicity, electronics presents a special recycling challenge and needs to be handled separately.

Why Do I Have to Pay?

According to Tatooine Electronics Systems out of Billings, "Recycling electronics is a very labor-intensive job that involves a lot of time and expertise. Include the cost of shipping, and it’s an expensive thing to do. Plus, with items such as monitors and TV’s, there is actually a NEGATIVE recovery value! Please be cautious with companies or individuals who accept electronics for free recycling or those who actually pay you to recycle your electronics. Most of the time, these items are being shipped overseas to countries who have no environmental standards and are being dismantled by people in unsafe conditions."

Also, click here to see a 60-Minutes Article, "Following the Trail of Toxic E-waste," and why it is important to pay to recycle electronic waste locally. Recycling locally is also good for local businesses and the local economy by keeping materials and jobs within a community rather than sending them overseas.

To read about S.A.V.E.'s efforts to make these programs more affordable and sustainable visit our legislative blog. Also, check out the links below to see Montana businesses that recycle locally.

Recycle E-Waste

For individuals, the easiest choice is Staples, which now has a collection at most of their stores for computers and accessories. The cost is $10 per item, e.g. $20 for a monitor and cpu. They do not take TVs. Call your local store for more information.

Check the DEQ Take-Back Program Site for manufacturers that may take back these items or charge a fee to recycle them for you!

Also, two Montana businesses recycle electronic waste:

Tatooine Electronic Systems (Billings): *collects from businesses around the state.
http://www.tatooineinc.com/recycling.html - 406.861.4920

P.A.L.M.E.R. Electronics (Missoula):
http://www.peteselec.com/recycling.html - 406.542.5465

Continue to check Savemobile.org for upcoming 2009 E-waste Events.

Recent Helena Article:
Electronic Waste a Growing Problem (Helena IR 2007)