Used electronic products are the most rapidly growing problem in our waste stream due to their quantity and toxicity. Electronic waste, such as computers, televisions, cell phones and computer components represents 2% of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70% of overall toxic waste. Things like lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, brominated flame retardants, phosphorous coatings, and PVC plastics that create dioxins when burned.

A desktop computer and monitor weigh an average of 53 pounds and require 530 pounds of fossil fuels, 50 pounds of chemicals and 3,330 pounds of water to make. That's about the same amount of raw materials needed to build a standard SUV, a statistic that's even more staggering when you consider that the National Safety Council estimates that more than 63 million computers were disposed of in 2005, generating 5.3 billion pounds of electronic waste, according to the EPA.

With nearly 2 million tons of used electronics that are discarded each year, it is a becoming an issue for local governments which anticipate a four-fold growth in e-waste in the coming years. This is especially true since the average lifespan of a computer is said to be about two years. 

Electronics contain useful materials such as precious metals, glass, and plastics that should be recovered rather than buried in a landfill. Recycling these products reduces the need to mine the earth for raw materials.

Here are a few additional facts regarding e-waste:

The nation now dumps between 300 million and 400 million electronic items per year, and less than 20% of that e-waste is recycled. 

It’s energy efficient to rebuild old computers, but only about 2% of PCs ever find their way to a second user.

The European Union banned e-waste from landfills in the 1990's, and current laws hold manufacturers responsible for e-waste disposal.

Large amounts of e-waste have been sent to countries such as China, India and Kenya, where lower environmental standards and working conditions make processing e-waste more profitable. Around 80 % of the e-waste in the U.S. is exported to Asia. 

Mobile phones will be discarded at a rate of 130 million per year by 2005, resulting in 65,000 tons of waste

Computer or television displays (CRTs) contain an average of 6 pounds of lead each.

When these components are illegally disposed and crushed in landfills, the lead is released into the environment.

Lead can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidneys in humans.

Lead accumulates in the environment, and has highly acute and chronic toxic effects on plants, animals and microorganisms.

Now, after all the facts and dread regarding the disposal of e-waste you're probably wondering where you can dispose of your electronic waste responsibly in Eagle County. Well, the Eagle Valley Alliance holds an Electronic Recycling event every June to gather up all the materials you've been shoving in your closet throughout the year. If it's not June you can email Kevin Allen at High Country Computer Services at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For a small fee he collects the materials and transports them to Denver to be recycled at MeTech, formally known as GRX. Check out their website here to learn more about what they do and how they do it. Of course if you are heading down to Denver you can always take it directly to MeTech yourself.

Do the right thing when it comes to your used electronics. If you have to buy them then the least you can do is make sure they are disposed of in a responsible manner.

Upcoming E-Waste Recycling Events

Sponsored by NRC Broadcasting Western Slope Home & Recreation Show 

When: Saturday, April 24th 10am-5pm; Sunday, April 25th 10am-4pm

Where: Eagle Fairgrounds

More Info: Bring your computers, monitors, DVDs, TVs, stereos, keyboards, cell phones, anything with a battery or a plug.  Sorry folks it isn't free yet for you to bring your electronics to us.  This service is $5 per computer or small printer; $10 for monitors (up to 17") and larger printers, ; very large items may cost more.  

Sponsored by Town of Vail

When: Friday, May 14th Time TBD

Where: Vail

 Check out our calendar for other upcoming events