| November 25, 2003
News Release With the rapid development of new technology, electronic products can become obsolete within a few short years. Improper disposal of electronic equipment can be harmful to the environment and generate unnecessary waste. To encourage proper disposal or reuse of old electronics, the King County Solid Waste Division has developed the Take it Back Network, a group of local electronic repair and resale shops, recyclers and nonprofit groups that recycle or reuse electronic equipment. The Take it Back Network provides people with environmentally safe, convenient reuse and recycling options that will reduce waste and the amount of harmful contaminants entering the environment. Nationally, 55 million personal computers are projected to be disposed of by 2005. Officials agree the best way to dispose of unwanted electronic products is to have them recycled or reused. Electronic equipment often contains lead, mercury, cadmium or other hazardous materials. Computer monitors, along with cathode ray tubes, are prohibited from the City of Seattle's municipal solid waste and at Seattle transfer stations. Computer monitors are not accepted at King County transfer stations from commercial customers. The Take It Back Network is comprised of 19 local organizations that are committed to offering convenient, environmentally sound recycling services for computers, monitors, TVs, printers, fax machines, cell phones of other personal electronic devices. Many of the organizations provide pick up services and drop off options. Some are by appointment only. People can find more information on how to contact Take It Back Network members and the many products they accept by visiting the website at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/swd/takeitback or calling 206-296-4466 for a brochure. Information on national organizations that provide these same services is also available on the website and in the brochure. The Take It Back Network is an expansion of King County's response to the growing need for convenient, environmentally safe disposal of electronics. In the late 1990's as new information emerged about the toxicity of electronics equipment, recycling options for residents and small businesses in King County were limited. Recycling options available to large companies that disposed of large amounts of electronic equipment were unavailable to residents or small businesses that disposed of far less. The Solid Waste Division spearheaded an effort to expand the local electronics recycling infrastructure in Seattle and King County by assisting companies in setting up recycling services to include electronics and publicizing their services to residents and small businesses. The number of places people could drop off their gear increased from a dozen to 34 locations. Take It Back is the next step in this effort. It increases the list of products that are accepted for reuse or recycling and puts that information in the hands of King County residents. Take It Back Network members are committed to offering convenient, environmentally sound recycling services. All local Network members have signed an agreement to handle all materials domestically or in developed countries. Due to collection, transportation, disassembly and processing costs, there may be a charge for recycling your electronic equipment. A range of recycling costs can be found on the Take It Back Networks' Web site. The Take it Back Network is a coordinated effort between the King County Solid Waste Division, Seattle Public Utilities and the Snohomish County Solid Waste Division. Related Information
King County Solid Waste Division |
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