Material Classification: Hazardous or Universal Waste

Many of the components in discarded electronics contain toxic constituents. An average desktop computer (monitor, central processing unit and accessories) is made up of many different heavy metals and plastics. These include lead, mercury, antimony, silver, chromium, zinc, tin, copper, iron, aluminum, nickel, cobalt and lithium. The following table provides a component-based breakdown for various electronic products. These toxic materials can cause kidney, cardiovascular and central nervous system damage. US EPA estimates that currently half of all heavy metals found in U.S. landfills can be traced to discarded electronics.

MATERIAL CONSTITUENTS OF CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
IN THE MUNICIPAL WASTE STREAM
(In percent of total generation)

 *Source: Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2000 Facts and Figures. US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. June 2002, Pages 150-160.

Some electronics such as computer monitors, color TV tubes, and smaller items such as cell phones and other hand-held devices test “hazardous” under Federal law. If so, they are subject to special handling requirements under Federal law, but may be subject to certain exemptions. To facilitate more reuse and recycling of these products, EPA has less stringent management requirements for products bound for reuse and recycling.

Computer monitors and televisions sent for continued use (i.e., resale or donation) are not considered hazardous wastes.

EPA also encourages recycling of CRTs. Thus, CRTs sent for recycling are subject to streamlined handling requirements and, under certain conditions, are classified as Universal Waste. This is similar to rules governing the management of used florescent light tubes and lamp ballast.

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