Campus Computer, Electronic Equipment and Office Supplies Recycling

United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations mandate that computer and electronic equipment must not be placed in dumpsters or sent to a municipal landfill for disposal. Computer and electronic equipment contains hazardous materials such as lead, silver, mercury, and chromium. These materials can be found in circuit boards, batteries, and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs). For example, televisions and CRT monitors, on average, contain four pounds of lead. Mercury from electronics has been cited as a leading source of mercury in municipal waste. In addition, brominated flame-retardants are commonly added to plastics used in electronics. If improperly handled, these toxins can be released into the environment. Supporting Services and Occupational Health & Safety, in conjunction with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority want to ensure that the computer and electronic waste generated by the University of Delaware is handled in an environmentally responsible manner. Prior to recycling University Equipment, please review University Policy 5-6 Use and Disposal of University Equipment and Material for proper procedure. This equipment must be recycled through Supporting Services. Contact them at 831-2157 to have your department's out-of-service computer and electronic equipment removed and recycled. Please contact Jane Frank at 831-8288 for more information on recycling and waste management. Refer to the following table for the proper recycling and disposal option of departmental equipment/supplies: