Solid Waste > Washington Recycles: Electronics Home

What is Washington's electronic products recycling program?

Each year in Washington State, we throw away more and more old computers, monitors, laptops, and televisions. Hundreds of thousands of these unwanted products end up in our local landfills. Because they can contain a variety of toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, used electronic products are a serious problem in our waste stream. Businesses, residents, and local governments face a growing challenge as they search for ways to reuse, recycle, or safely dispose of this equipment.

Ecology finished adopting WAC 173-900 in 2007 requiring computer and television manufacturers to provide consumer-convenient recycling of their covered electronic products (CEPs) throughout our state.

Covered electronic products, or CEPs, are computers, televisions, computer monitors, and portable or laptop computers used by households, small governments, small businesses, and charities.

Manufacturers must make electronic product recycling services available at no cost to these groups by January 1, 2009. Until then, please call 1-800-RECYCLE to find available electronic product recycling services in your area.

On October 5, 2007 Ecology adopted amendments to WAC 173-900 and to WAC 173-303 Dangerous Waste Regulations. These rules impact the sale and recycling of CEPs in Washington State.