Used electronic products are the most rapidly growing problem in our waste stream due to their quantity and toxicity. Electronic wastes, such as televisions, computers and computer components, contain toxic substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, brominated flame retardants, phosphorous coatings, and PVC plastics that create dioxins when burned. These toxic materials can be released upon disposal, posing a threat to human health and the environment.
Many electronic wastes are regulated as hazardous waste when generated by businesses. Televisions and computer monitors generated as waste by households must be managed in accordance with Maine's E-Waste Law, which establishes a system in which consumers, municipalities, and manufacturers share responsibility for ensuring that these items are properly recycled to reclaim all useable materials and prevent the release of toxics to the environment.
Manufacturer’s initial registration form (MS Word) (pdf format)- To comply with Maine’s Electronic Waste Law, manufacturers of desktop printers, video game consoles, and digital picture frames must complete and submit this form to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection by September 12, 2009. Manufacturers of portable computers, computer monitors, televisions, and/or portable DVD players that have not previously submitted a plan for compliance with the Maine DEP must complete and submit this form prior to selling their covered electronic products in Maine.
Municipal collection sites for electronics and mercury-added products(MS Excel format) (pdf format) - This is a listing by town of municipal collection sites that accept Universal Waste. The green blocks signify that we have gathered the information from those towns. White means we were not able to reach anyone in that municipal office. Blue means that they will take from anyone in the state not just for the residents in their town.
State Planning Office Waste Management & Recycling Program has a grant program to help municipalities develop storage facilities for the collection of mercury-added products, and televisions and computer monitors (off-Site)
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when burned. These toxic materials can be released upon disposal, posing a threat to human health and the environment. 