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Electronics
Recycling
Discarded
electronic equipment is a growing waste management issue because
it represents a large source of heavy metals and organic
pollutants in the waste stream. Without effective phase-outs
of hazardous chemicals and the development of effective
collection, reuse and recycling systems, highly toxic
chemicals found in electronics will continue to contaminate
soil and groundwater as well as pollute the air, posing a
threat to wildlife and people.
Following
are numerous excellent sources on proper recycling and
disposal of electronic wastes. New
Mexico Resources
TVs are
not easily recycled in New Mexico.
Please consider repairing a broken TV before disposing. For
the February 2009 conversion from analog to digital, coupons
to receive deep discounts on converter boxes are available
at
www.DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009. Information
posted at this website allows you to apply for the coupon
and find out where to purchase a converter box in your area.
National
Programs
The
Environmental Protection Agency's
Plug-In
To eCycling Campaign is one of many
efforts under EPA's Resource Conservation Challenge.
Environmentally-Preferable
Electronics Purchasing Online Guide
If you want to evaluate the most
environmentally-preferable electronic products, check out the Electronic
Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). EPEAT is a system to
help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and
select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their
environmental attributes. EPEAT also provides a clear and consistent set of
performance criteria for the design of products, and provides an opportunity
for manufacturers to secure market recognition for efforts to reduce the
environmental impact of its products.
The EPEAT Registry on this web site
includes products that have been declared by their manufacturers to be in
conformance with the environmental performance standard for electronic
products - IEEE 1680- 2006. The standard is summarized
here,
and may be purchased from the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers. EPEAT operates
a
verification
program to assure the
credibility of the Registry.
White House
Executive Order 13423 requires
federal agencies to purchase at least 95% EPEAT-registered products in all
relevant electronic product categories.
Go to
www.epeat.net
Responsible Disposal of Electronic
Waste
The
Basel Action
Network is
an
international network of activists seeking
to prevent
the globalization of the toxic chemical crisis. They work in
opposition to toxic trade in toxic wastes, toxic
products and toxic technologies, that are exported from rich
to poorer countries.
Legislative
News
See
www.recyclenewmexico.com/Bills.htm
to view recent e-waste related legislation for New Mexico.
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