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Frequently Asked Questions
- If certain electronic waste parts are hazardous under RCRA, why don't I need a hazardous waste manifest?
- I've heard that in many states, electronics have been classified as Universal Waste. What does this mean?
- How will the California Department of Toxic Substance Control's ban on Cathode Ray Tube disposal in landfills and incinerators affect the disposal of my office's unwanted computers?
- What are the benefits of recycling or reusing Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)?
- What are the health risks of improper disposal?
- Supporting community non-profit organizations is a part of what our company is about. Are we exposed to any liability if the non-profit organization disposes of the equipment later? If so, how can we continue to help the community?
- Will I need to pay for recycling?
- We've been able to dispose of our electronics at a local scrap dealer at no charge. Sometimes he even pays us for the electronics. How is ACR different?
- I work at a very large company and don't know how to start a recycling program. What should I do?
- What would be considered acceptable equipment for recycling?
- How do I pack my materials for shipping?
Q: If certain electronic waste parts are hazardous under RCRA, why don’t I need a hazardous waste manifest?
A: When a customer ships used and non-functioning electronics to an ACR facility for evaluation, the components are still considered products and not waste. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) classifies electronics as hazardous when improperly disposed of. Once an asset recovery facility determines what is resale and what must be recycled, that facility becomes the generator of any waste. All processing facilities have EPA ID numbers and are capable of shipping outbound hazardous materials on a hazardous waste manifest when necessary.
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Q: I’ve heard that in many states, electronics have been classified as Universal Waste. What does this mean?
A: The Universal Waste designation is for recyclable materials with hazardous components that are commonly generated by homeowners, businesses and institutions. The Federal EPA currently lists batteries, fluorescent lamps, and mercury thermostats/switches under the Universal Waste classification. All the states are required to adopt these items at a minimum and can add others items to their list. So, many states have added or are considering adding used electronics to their list. Legislation on Universal Waste states that either the listed materials must be disposed of as manifested hazardous waste or must be recycled in an approved recycling program. All ACR electronics recycling facilities offer transportation and recycling services in accordance with federal and local legislation.
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Q: How will the California Department of Toxic Substance Control's ban on Cathode Ray Tube disposal in landfills and incinerators affect the disposal of my office’s unwanted computers?
A: The California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) has banned the disposal of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) in California landfills and incinerators. A CRT contains a lead-based glass vacuum tube, found in monitors and TVs, which produces a luminous spot when electrons are projected in them. Businesses have two options for the disposing of computer equipment containing CRTs. Businesses can either send them to a recycling facility for proper material management or donate them. Both methods keep CRTs out of the landfills. Recycling allows whole units of equipment to be taken apart for plastic, glass, and precious metals.
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Q: What are the benefits of recycling or reusing Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)?
A: Recycling or reusing will prevent CRT containing devices from becoming hazardous waste. In your discarded computer monitors there are traces of lead, phosphorous, cadmium, barium, and mercury. When CRTs are broken or destroyed, such as when placed in landfills or incinerators. They release these toxins into the environment making them hazardous material. Recycling diverts the release of lead into the environment, saves valuable landfill space, and reduces the need for strip mining.
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Q: What are the health risks of improper disposal?
A: The health risks associated with inhalation of the lead bearing particles can be deadly. Inhalation of the particles can cause breathing difficulties, choking, and irritation of the nose throat and respiratory tract. The dangers with improper contact to other toxic materials within the CRT include Pneumonitis, tremors, and neuropsychiatric problems.
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Q: Supporting community non-profit organizations is a part of what our company is about. Are we exposed to any liability if the non-profit organization disposes of the equipment later? If so, how can we continue to help the community?
Donating computers benefits groups and individuals who cannot normally afford to purchase them. Businesses can donate computers directly to the end-users or to companies that collect, refurbish, and help facilitate the donation. Without a bill of sale, the title to the equipment remains with the original owner. When a non-profit organization improperly disposes the equipment, the donation may become a liability to the donor. Even if the donor requests that the non-profit organization sign a transfer of title, Superfund legislation requires that organizations with the most revenue cleanup the hazardous waste. Much of what is labeled "donations" today includes a great deal non-functioning equipment. A well meaning gesture can potentially result in the non-profit having to pay for the proper disposal of non-functioning equipment.
Here's what ACR recommends. ACR returns revenue from the sale of re sale equipment to their customers. ACR recommends that customers donate this revenue to their non-profit organizations. The non-profit can then purchase exactly what is needed. Alternatively, a company can consult with its legal department to determine if donations to non-profits can be made. Then, ACR can facilitate the transaction with the non-profit, assuring that only donations of quality-tested equipment are made and that the equipment is properly tracked. ACR makes arrangements with the non-profit to retrieve equipment for proper material management when the non-profit can no longer use it.
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Q: Will I need to pay for recycling?
A: The cost of recycling services depends on the quantity, quality, and type of material being recycled. Recycling facilities often charge a fee for certain services resulting in reduced waste disposal costs.
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Q: We’ve been able to dispose of our electronics at a local scrap dealer at no charge. Sometimes he even pays us for the electronics. How is ACR different?
A: Historically, scrap dealers will remove materials with value and throw the rest in the garbage, along with potentially hazardous waste, business serial numbers, business asset tags, and information on any unformatted hard drives. ACR charges a fee for the management and tracking of hazardous components and returns revenue to customers for equipment with resale value.
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Q: I work at a very large company and don’t know how to start a recycling program. What should I do?
A: Contact ACR directly to schedule an on-site visit or fill out one of the material survey forms. Someone will get back to you shortly. An on-site e-waste assessment will help identify opportunities to reduce and recycle e-waste. Our employees come from a broad spectrum of industries and have experience in finding and addressing opportunities to conserve corporate and natural resources.
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Q: What would be considered acceptable equipment for recycling?
A: ACR accepts most electronic equipment whether they are in working condition or not. Please see ACR services form. If you do not find what you are looking for on the list of services, please feel free to request a proposal of information on our material service form . Someone will contact with you shortly.
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Q: How do I pack my materials for shipping?
A: ACR recommends that monitors, and computers are placed on top of pallet using stretch film to prevent them from moving during transportation. Small items can be placed in 4' x 4' x 4'Gaylord boxes. This is the most economical way of shipping materials with minimal waste.
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