Recycling in Ohio COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING Many of the lessons learned setting up a recycling system for major appliances are being applied as Ohio develops a similar system to give state residents opportunities to recycle their old computers and other electronics. Concerns about potential hazardous chemical releases are heightened with electronics. Computer circuit boards contain a variety of toxic chemicals, and the picture tube of a personal computer may contain up to eight pounds of lead. Many of these materials, along with plastics and non-hazardous metals can and are being economically recycled in Ohio today. The vast increase in home computer use helped inspire Ohio’s recycling network to make specific accommodations for electronics recycling. The effort is also motivated by a flood of old televisions that is expected to hit the waste stream as high-density television renders existing sets obsolete. Electronics recycling in Ohio Some jumped, others were pushed, but most electronics dealers and manufacturers are in the recycling pool. When upgrading hardware, find out if your vendor will take your old equipment, and if they will make arrangements to recycle your new equipment when the time comes. There may be fees, but it is one way to be sure your old equipment is recycled and properly disposed of. Also consider donating your old equipment to a school, charity or person who can use it. Many older computers and even outdated operating systems are still perfectly functional even if they no longer suit your needs. Many charity groups help get old computers to new users, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is working with one to make sure the opportunity to recycle old electronics is available to all Ohioans. Ohio Penal Industries’ Electronics Recycling program — (330) 898-7907 — takes donated equipment to recycling shops at two state correctional institutions. There, inmates participating in the work program remanufacture computers from functioning parts and components. Parts which cannot be used are sold to Ohio manufacturers for recycling. Remanufactured computers are provided to Ohio schools and other nonprofits for a small fee. Conservation benefits of appliance recycling Even when landfilled properly, electronic equipment poses a threat to environmental and public health. Reusing and recycling electronic equipment reduces the amount of toxic and hazardous substances that may enter the environment through disposal. By extending the useful life of products, reuse conserves the energy and raw materials needed to manufacture new products.