| October 11, 2000
News Release Since the launch of King County Solid Waste Division's Computer Recovery Project in July 2000, over 2,000 old or broken computer monitors and thousands of other computer components have been collected for reuse and recycling. More than 30 tons of computer monitors will be recycled through the pilot project rather than disposed of in county landfills. King County's Solid Waste Division helped coordinate an extensive network of government agencies, non-profit organizations, computer recycling companies and computer retailers, to offer King County residents and small businesses alternatives to disposing of used, obsolete or broken computer equipment. The results of the Computer Recovery Project's pilot phase will be evaluated and adjustments will be made for the best long-term outcome. The Computer Recovery Project provides resources for upgrading, donating and recycling old computer equipment. Brochures that list the locations accepting used equipment are available by calling the Solid Waste Division at 206-296-8800 or by visiting the web site at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/crp.htm. Coupons are still available! Coupons good for the free recycling of a broken or outdated computer monitor are still available. The coupon covers the cost of recycling a computer monitor, which is typically about $10. Coupons are limited to one per customer and expire on October 31. Fees for recycling other equipment vary depending upon the type and age of the equipment. New, working equipment may be accepted free of charge or bought for a nominal price. After October 31 coupons will not be accepted but computer equipment will continue to be accepted for reuse and recycling at participating locations, listed in the brochure. Because most computer equipment contains hazardous materials, it should not be disposed of with other garbage. The cathode ray tubes, or picture tube, in computer monitors can contain between three to eight pounds of lead. Circuit boards also contain lead in addition to cadmium, mercury and other hazardous materials. In addition, many materials used in computer manufacturing such as metals, glass and plastics, can and should be recovered and used again. The King County Solid Waste Division is sponsoring the Computer Recovery Project with support from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County and Seattle Public Utilities. For more information about King County's Computer Recovery Project, to request a brochure or information in alternative formats, call 206-296-8800. Equipment Collection Locations Computer Recovery Project Brochure Locations
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