E-waste Problem on the Walking Mall by Kyle Perkins

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. Electronics are filled with potentially toxic chemicals, but also valuable resources (like gold and platinum). Because of the toxicity, electronics presents a special recycling challenge and needs to be handled separately.

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.

Helena "Erase your Ewaste" event Announced!

The next opportunity to recycle your Electronics at an event will be at Erase your Ewaste 2008. People will be able to drop off their electronics to be responsibly recycled at Kmart on September 12th and 13th. A nominal fee will be charged for most electronics. Watch for more details as the event nears.

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

Our legislative blog has more information about our e-waste policy work.

Learn more about electronic waste at the following links:

Montana's Department of Environmental Quality:
http://www.deq.mt.gov/Recycle/Electronics/index.asp

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