Computers, fax machines, copiers, cell phones, telephones and television sets are constantly updated. As your business takes advantage of new technology, what do you do with your obsolete equipment?

Ohio EPA's Division of Hazardous Waste Management (DHWM) encourages businesses to recycle electronic equipment no longer in use because it can contain hazardous materials. Donating equipment for reuse is the environmentally preferred alternative. Many schools, non-profits, and charitable organizations accept working electronic goods. Make sure your company has wiped the hard drive with Department of Defense-approved software before donation. If equipment cannot be used, another good option is sending equipment to a reputable recycler. A recycler will disassemble equipment and recover useable components such as memory boards, disk drives, video cards and micro-processor chips. Plastic and glass components may be recycled into new products. Metals can be separated and sent to smelters where they are melted and used to make new products.

How does Ohio EPA classify electronic waste?
Ohio EPA classifies used electronic equipment exhibiting a characteristic of hazardous waste as a characteristic by-product. Ohio EPA classifies unused electronic equipment (defective) as off-specification commercial chemical products. OAC rule 3745-51-02(C)(3) states that characteristic by-products and off-specification commercial chemical products are not wastes when reclaimed. Therefore, if the recycler is recovering material of value from the equipment being recycled, it is not considered a waste.

If I do not recycle my electronic waste, how do I determine if it is a hazardous waste?
Electronic equipment may contain lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury or other hazardous metals. Your company may have the knowledge of the waste and be able to determine if it contains metals at regulated levels. A laboratory may also conduct the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) analysis on the waste for a company to determine if the waste exhibits the characteristic of toxicity.

Should I be concerned about how my electronic equipment is recycled?
Before using any computer recycler make sure to conduct due diligence on the company. Recyclers should provide a certificate of recycling and be able to tell you where each piece of de-manufactured equipment is sent. In addition to being familiar with the manner in which electronics will be recycled, it is important to research the recycling facility to determine if it has any compliance problems. Proper recycling includes ensuring that the recycling facility processes electronic equipment in a timely manner. If electronic equipment is not recycled properly, and it is a hazardous waste, both your company and the recycling facility will be liable for clean-up costs associated with improper disposal of hazardous components.

How do I find and choose a recycler?
Check with the computer manufacturer. Many of the major computer makers will take back their old products for recycling. If this is not a viable option for you, then explore the numerous computer and e-waste recyclers that are in business in your area. The recyclers listed in this article are companies that may provide service in this area.

The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District has not audited all the facilities listed below. If you are a business, non-profit or school, please take the time to audit the facility you choose to use. Your business is ultimately responsible for proper disposal of electronic equipment.