Product stewardship program for recycling e-waste For more information on the handling of electronics by Universal Waste Management Companies, contact the Hazardous Waste staff at (207)287-7688. Universal Waste Management Companies (PDF) can also ensure electronics from large businesses are handled and recycled in accordance with all regulatory requirements. Some electronic wastes are regulated as hazardous waste when generated by businesses, including electronics that contain cathode ray tubes, mercury lamps, and circuit boards.Įlectronics leaving large businesses often have value in the reuse market, in which case businesses can direct their material to a company performing asset management – check with your electronics recycler to find out if they offer this service. Other entities: Other entities cannot recycle electronic waste through the program, but their e-waste can – and sometimes must – still be recycled. Households, K-12 schools, small NGOs and businesses: Maine households, elementary and secondary schools, businesses with 100 or fewer employees, and 501(c)3 nonprofits with 100 or fewer employees can recycle much of their e-waste at little to no cost through Maine's product stewardship program – scroll down for more information. By recycling your old devices, you can prevent the release of toxic substances and ensure valuable materials are recovered.įrom January 2006 through December 2017, Maine residents recycled more than 97 million pounds of electronics with the help of electronics manufacturers! Recycling Options
Mining and processing these the materials is energy intensive and environmentally detrimental. Electronics also contain high quality plastics, copper, aluminum, and small amounts of silver, gold, and other precious metals. Because of the threat posed by these toxics, it is illegal to throw away cathode ray tubes and LCD screens in Maine.
When thrown away these devices can release their toxics, posing a threat to human health and the environment. Maine's product stewardship program for recycling e-wasteĮlectronics, such as televisions, computers, and computer monitors, contain toxic substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, brominated flame retardants, phosphorous coatings, and PVC plastics.