Landfill Ban on Electronics: What Consumers Need to Know

Effective January 1, 2011, covered electronic devices (CEDs) will be banned from WV Landfills.

CEDs include televisions, computers or video display devices with a screen that is greater than four inches measured diagonally. "Covered electronic device" does not include a video display device that is part of a motor vehicle, or that is contained within a household appliance or commercial, industrial or medical equipment.

Is There an Alternative to Landfilling?

Yes. Consumers are urged to take advantage of local electronic waste recyclers. Links can be found on this page to your local recycling community through online recycling directories published by a variety of sources. You can find links to all these programs at the top of the page.

• Earth 911 Recycling Directory - Earth 911 provides statewide coverage, including private sector recycling businesses, community based programs offered through local governments and non-profit organizations, national programs, including those sponsored by manufacturers, non-profit programs and others. Earth 911 is a good source for takeback programs as well as drop-off and curbside programs;

• West Virginia Recycling Directory - Published by the West Virginia Department of Commerce the directory has statewide coverage. Recycling options can be searched for by specific materials or by county. The Recycling Directory covers electronics recyclers as well as other recycling programs;

• Manufacturers Recycling Programs - Many manufacturers have mail-in or other types of recycling takeback programs that allow buyers to return equipment at the end of the products useful life.  This type of producer responsibility is a growing trend worldwide; and

• Pending Collection Events - Periodically, your local solid waste authority, county commission or other group may elect to hold a local electronics recycling collection event. You can find a link to a listing of upcoming collection events at the top of the page.

Not all e-waste recyclers take all types of material. For instance, the recycler who takes your old computer may not be equipped to take a TV or a cell phone. Chances are that you can find several recyclers within easy driving distance of your home and you can find a place for all your old electronics. If not, try one of the many mail-in recyclers available.

Bulky Goods Collection

West Virginians that subscribe to a garbage service are entitled to receive pickup of oversize items once per month from their garbage hauler. Waste haulers are currently required to pick up televisions and computers under WV Code Rules §150-9.6.6,  the Public Service Commission’s Bulky Goods Rule. Contact your waste hauler to find out what day they collect "bulky goods" in your neighborhood.

E-Waste Facts

If you have e-waste stored in the closet, basement or garage, you are not alone. In 2007, Americans generated about 232 million units of computer and TV related e-waste, only 18% of which was recycled. It's estimated that 235 million more units are stored in our basements, closets and garages. E-cycling is a better option than disposal because it conserves natural resources, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps protect our health and the environment.

Did you know that:

• The EPA estimates that recycling 1 million computers prevents the release greenhouse gases equivalent to the annual emissions of over 17,000 cars;

• According to the EPA, 40% of lead and 70% of other toxics found in landfills - including mercury, cadmium and polybrominated flame retardants - are from electronics.

Click this link for a Consumer E-Waste Fact Sheet.

Click this link for a Consumer E-Cycling Fact Sheet.

General Information

E-Waste Stakeholder Information

REAP E-Waste Programs