“What do we do with our old broken electronics?” Good Question! Let us start by explaining why we do not collect or dispose of electronics.

Passed in 2010, the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act (CDRA) requires that consumers and businesses not dispose of covered devices, such as computers, laptops, computer monitors, televisions and tablets with their trash. This means that trash haulers will no longer take covered devices unless the municipality has a curbside electronics collection program that ultimately sends the devices to an electronics recycler.

“This law is an important step toward further reducing the amount of waste disposed in our landfills,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “There will be a host of positive impacts from this law, such as deriving economic benefits from precious metals found in electronics, eliminating heavy metals in the environment and encouraging environmental stewardship.”

Under CDRA, the covered devices and their components must be properly recycled and may not be taken to, or accepted by, landfills or other solid waste disposal facilities for disposal.

The law also requires that manufacturers of the covered devices provide for the collection, transportation and recycling of these devices by establishing one-day events, permanent collection programs or mail-back programs for consumers. This is offered to consumers at no cost. Manufacturers must work with an electronics recycler that is properly permitted and certified to handle and process electronic waste.

Manufacturers must register their covered device brands with DEP and attach brand labels to those devices. Additionally, retailers who sell electronic covered devices may only sell devices with a manufacturer’s brand that is registered with DEP.

We understand PA Law has made disposing of electronics frustrating but here are a few options to help with disposal:

1. CHECKWITH YOUR LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES- Most municipalities have a certain time of year ( maybe twice a year)when they collect e-waste for disposal.

2.If collection of e-waste from municipalities is suspended( meaning they do not collect or offer collection of e-waste anymore) you can visit the PA DEP Electronics Programs (website is listed below) or call DEP’s Recycling Hotline @ 1-800-346-4242

Please do you part to help keep our environment clean and beautiful- Recycle