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.
The EPA podcasts Greener Computers: A Look at Energy Efficiency and Recycling , Cell Phone Recycling and Consumer Electronics: Trends in Recycling can be found here
Contacts
For more information on electronic waste from businesses, contact the Hazardous Waste staff at (207)287-2651.
For more information on electronic waste from households, contact the E-Waste Program staff at (207) 287-2651.
Collections sites for electronics and mercury-added products, including fluorescent bulbs (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. Retail Store Collection Sites (MS Excel format) - This is a listing by town of retail store collection sites that collect intact compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). This is a service for homeowners and is free of charge. The CFLs are sent for recycling through this program. If anyone finds any errors or changes to these listings, please contact the Hazardous Waste Program staff at 287-2651.
