E-WasteComputer monitors

Used electronic products are the most rapidly growing problem in our waste stream due to their quantity and toxicity. Electronic wastes (e-waste), such as televisions, computers and computer monitors, contain toxic substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, brominated flame retardants, phosphorous coatings, and PVC plastics that create dioxins when burned. Although these devices are safe to use, when thrown away they can release these toxics, posing a threat to human health and the environment.  The best solution is to be sure e-waste is recycled.
Some electronic wastes are regulated as hazardous waste when generated by businesses, including electronics that contain cathode ray tubes, mercury lamps, and circuit boards. Many kinds of electronic waste (e-waste) can be recycled as part of a product stewardship program established by Maine's E-Waste Law.

From January 2006 through June 2010, Maine residents have recycled more than 30 million pounds of electronics with the help of electronics manufacturers!

Contacts

For more information on recycling and disposal of electronic waste from businesses, contact the Hazardous Waste staff at (207)287-2651.

For more information on recycling and disposal of electronic waste from households, contact the E-Waste Program staff at (207) 287-2651.

Questions regarding Maine's e-waste law, please contact Carole Cifrino @ 207-287-2651.

Product stewardship program for recycling e-waste

Under Maine’s product stewardship program for e-waste manufacturers pay for the recycling of televisions, portable DVD players, game consoles, computer monitors, portable computers, desktop printers and digital picture frames.  Households, elementary and secondary schools, and small businesses and non-profits are responsible for bringing their e-waste to a collection site or event. Municipalities must ensure that their residents have a collection site or event that will take these “covered electronic devices” for recycling.  Some collection sites charge a small fee to cover their costs of collection.  All electronics collected in this system are recycled to reclaim all useable materials, with the processing meeting strict environmental standards.

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 blue blocks signify that they will take from anyone in the state not just for the residents in their town. Green means we were not able to reach anyone in that municipal office, and therefore do not have any information for that town.

Information for Manufacturers and Consolidators

Consolidators approved to participate in Maine's household TV and Computer Monitor Recycling Program for Calendar Year 2012

Retailers DO NOT SELL - listing of TV and computer monitor manufacturers and their brands that cannot be sold in Maine (pdf format)

Laws

38 MRSA §1306.4 - CRT Disposal Prohibition (Note: Begins July 20, 2006)

38 MRSA §1663 - Mercury-added products disposal ban

38 MRSA §1610 - Electronic Waste -This version of Maine’s law includes the changes made by Maine’s 2011 Legislature.

38 MRSA §1301-1310-B - Waste Management General Provisions

38 MRSA §1317 -1371 - Hazardous Matter Control

38 MRSA § 2143 - Cell Phone Recycling

Rules

  • Chapter 850 - Identification of Hazardous Wastes
  • Chapter 415 - Reasonable Costs for the Handling and Recycling of Electronic Wastes

Forms

Consolidator semi-annual report form (MS Excel) Due: March 1, 2012

Manufacturer's registration form (PDF) - To comply with Maine's Electronic Waste Law, manufacturers of televisions, portable DVD players, portable computers, computer monitors, desktop printers, video game consoles, and digital picture frames must complete and submit this form prior to selling their covered electronic products in Maine, and annually by July 1, to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Electronics Demanufacturing Facility Application - (Word format) - (pdf format)

Additional Information

Electronics Recycling in Maine

Universal Waste Handbook (2.24MB) (pdf format) - Universal Waste Information/Training Sign up form - Request Handbook or other information and register to be on the mailing list for future training events.

2006 - 2010 Collection Data by Consolidator- (pdf format)

Guidelines for the Environmentally Sound Management of Electronic Waste

Maine's Cell Phone Recycling Law


Related Programs:

Electronics Recycling


Other Related Links:

EPA Electronics: A New Opportunity for Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling (off-Site)

Goodwill recycling program for computer equipment – Goodwill offers a free residential computer recycling program. You can drop off any brand of used computer equipment at participating Goodwill donation centers in your area. (off-Site)

Universal Waste Management and Recycling Companies