Recycling "E-Trash"

I have two printers that I want to get rid of, but they're both unusable so I can't imagine a non-profit would want them. Are there any groups that recycle unusable electronics?
- Jenni

While we were mulling over your question, we stumbled across this op-ed piece in Sunday's New York Times (subscription required to view article). According to the article,

The city has addressed the problem in a limited way, by, for example, sponsoring recycling events with equipment makers Dell and Lexmark...Some companies do have programs to take back computers, although they charge the consumer...We recommend that consumers explore recycling options. One way is to go to www.nycwasteless.organd examine its lists of manufacturers' take-back programs for old computers.

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We suggest you check out www.nycwasteless.org and see if there is a program that will meet your needs for your particular printers. We're glad you decided not to just throw them out, since according to the NY Times, "Many discarded electronic devices end up with the regular trash at an incinerator in New Jersey, where they can produce toxic fumes. Or they are taken to a landfill, where pollutants leach into the soil."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Janine Annett in Miscellaneous on January 11, 2005 1:18 PM

Comments [rss]

Davis Close

Alec Baldwin asks for his voice to be removed from an "unfair" documentary about Arnold Schwarzenegger...

Erick Ackerman

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

Erick Ackerman

The Rolling Stones postpone a show in the US to allow singer Sir Mick Jagger time to rest his voice...

Scott Fisher

New York State needs to get serious about this problem. Massachusetts and California already require TV\'s and computer monitors to be recycled. We need to pressure the politicos in Albany to pass strict recycling of e-waste. In Europe, the manufacturers themselves are required to take back their electronic gizmos after they have finished their service lives. There are many toxics such as lead, cadmium and mercury in electronic goods. We\'ve got to get these items out of our landfills and incinerators.

Erin

I have been trying to find out what to do with my old notebook computer. I recently visited the NYC Wasteless website and found that they did not provide much helpful information. The City should create some program for residents to dispose of e-waste appropriately.

kelly

i've actually done this fairly often - just call up organizations that you like and ask if they need whatever you have. they're usually really receptive.

Ceca

The Lower East Side Ecology Center holds periodic recycling fairs. There was one just this weekend at Union Square North.

TA

I donated a computer to Materials for the Arts. They will post your available equipment on a website for thier clients. The donation is then tax deductable. I found it painless and it's a great way to help fledgeling artists!

http://www.mfta.org/donors_wanted.php

Jen

One idea I've always thought about when I see old printers or computers on the sidewalk is some sort of mixed media project, like a salute to our technology that will inevitably grow obsolete.