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E-Waste | Electronic Disposal & Recycling

Electronic waste, also known as E-waste, is one of the fastest growing segments of waste consuming space in landfills today. With nearly 3.5 million tons of E-waste generated each year in the US alone, concerns over the accumulation of discarded electronics continue to grow as the world becomes more dependent upon electronic devices.

What is E-waste?

E-waste commonly refers to any device that contains an internal circuit board or cathode ray tube (CRT) and includes everyday products such as cell phones, televisions, computers, mp3 players, and many household appliances. While many of these products were once discarded along with other residential and commercial waste, concerns over environmental harm led to increased regulation and restrictions on how and where E-waste can be disposed.

E-waste materials such as CRT’s, circuit boards, and consumer electronic devices can contain a wide range of contaminants including lead, mercury, lithium, and PCBs. When E-waste is not properly disposed of, these chemicals can quickly contaminate soil, water, and air creating the potential for toxic exposure that can affect humans and animals within the contaminated environment.

While more than 3 million tons of E-waste was generated in the US last year, the amount of E-waste that is being recycled annually is on the rise thanks to increased education efforts and awareness initiatives aimed at keeping consumers informed about the importance of proper E-waste disposal and electronic recycling. In 2012, the EPA estimated that 29% of E-waste generated in the US was recycled, an increase of more than 2% from 2010 figures. As more communities begin to work towards proper E-waste disposal, the amount of E-waste that enters the US waste stream each year could be greatly reduced.

How is E-Waste Recycled?

In order to prepare E-waste for recycling and/or proper disposal, the discarded products must first be processed through an Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, or EDF. During the demanufacturing process E-waste is disassembled and broken down in order to separate and collect any materials that may be salvaged for reuse or are suitable for recycling. Once all of the components that are suitable for reuse or recycling have been removed, any parts containing hazardous or potentially toxic materials are then removed for proper containment and/or disposal.

Where Can I Take My E-Waste for Proper Recycling and Disposal?

If you do not have a local Electronic Demanufacturing Facility in your area you may still be able to locate an appropriate E-waste recycling service near you. More and more communities are beginning to implement E-waste collection services either through curbside collection or local drop-off facilities, and many common electronics stores such as Best Buy and Staples now accept E-waste at their locations.

If you are looking for assistance with E-waste disposal and recycling in your community, you can visit the Consumer Electronics Association’s website at www.greenergadgets.com to find an electronics recycler near you. If you would like more information on E-waste and electronics recycling in the Quad Cities area, please contact the Quad Cities Landfill at 309-787-2303 and one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives would be happy to assist you.


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Keeping the Community Clean

Millennium Waste Incorporated is committed to the growth and well being of the Quad Cities area. That’s why it’s so important to us to contribute to community events and activities. As proud members of the cities we serve, we are dedicated to youth involvement and keeping Betterndorf, Davenport, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island and all of our communities clean.

Events and Activities:

  • Extreme Cleanup
  • Quad Cities Marathon
  • Bix 7
  • Greek Fest
  • Cinco De Mayo Festival
  • Bettendorf July 4th Festival

Contact us today with questions or suggestions.

 

The Quad Cities Landfill will be closing at 10am on Saturday for scheduled scale maintenance.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  Thank you!

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