eCycling

National Information

Although electronic waste is less than 10% of the current solid waste stream, it is growing 2-3 times faster than any other waste stream. In 1998, of the 20 million computers taken out of service, only 2.3 million, which is slightly more than 10%, were recycled.¹ Between 2000 and 2007, as many as 500 million personal computers will become obsolete.

Electronic waste refers to electronic products that have finished their useful life. Consumer electronic products include televisions and monitors, computers, computer peripherals, audio and stereo equipment, VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, telephones, fax and copying machines, cellular phones, wireless devices, and video game consoles.

As businesses and individuals upgrade existing computer systems and incorporate new technologies, more computers and other electronics are finding their way into the waste stream. By promoting waste prevention, reuse, and recycling, EPA hopes to deter people from sending electronic products to landfills.

Regional Initiatives

State Contacts

Region 7 eCycling Program Coordinator
David Flora, U.S. EPA Region 7, Solid Waste Program
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Phone: (913) 551-7523
E-mail: flora.david@epa.gov

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1 The National Safety Council published, "Electronic Product Recovery and Recycling Baseline Report: Recycling of Selected Electronic Products in the United States," a report that documents the results of the first large-scale survey and analysis of end-of-life electronic product recycling and reuse in the United States. Learn more about this report and how to to order a copy for a fee.

eCycling

National Information

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