electronics management · michigan waste and materials management conference part 111 hazardous...

ELECTRONICS MANAGEMENT –WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Steve Noble, Electronics Recycling Specialist Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Goal #1 for Today

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Goal #2 for Today

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

AGENDA

Why recycle your electronicsBasics of electronics regulationsWhat statutes cover electronicsProper recycling of unwanted electronicsWhat to look for in a recyclerHow to find a recyclerWaste gone wild

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

WHY RECYCLE

• Opportunities for Reuse– Business material

• Recovery of natural resources– Precious metals– Other material of value– Rare earth materials

• Avoids environmental impacts– Heavy Metals: Cadmium, Lead, Mercury,– Flame Retardants

• Meet sustainability goals– Less energy intensive than creating new

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

WHEN IS IT WASTE?

• Basic Measure– Material has reached end of useful life

• Useful to whom?– Exemptions when redirected for reuse or recycling

• Household waste exemptions• Hazardous waste exemptions - universal waste

• Key Measures• No reuse/recycling value

• Recyclable material not speculatively accumulated• Not mixed with other regulated wastes

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

STATUTES

Two classes of material - source dependent

• Residential material (Part 173 Electronics)– Exempted from regulation when source separated for recycling

• Michigan allows electronics to be landfilled– Michigan & Ohio

– Can include CESQG

• Business material (Part 111 Hazardous Waste)• Universal waste regulations

– Consumer electronics– CRTs

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Part 173 – Residential Electronics

• Covers residential and small business• Small business = 10 or less employees

• Concept 2007 – Drafted 2008 - Passed 2008 -Implemented in 2009

• Covered Devices: computers, monitors, printers,televisions

• Encourages manufacturers to support electronicsrecycling by requiring them to set up programs.

• Recyclers are required to register• Retailers should not sell unregistered brands

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Part 173 challenges

• Assumes that all material has residual value– Free recycling

• Voluntary goals• Unequal reporting

– IT Manufacturers not required to document efforts: TVmanufacturers are required

– Collectors do not have to register

• No enforcement provisions• Does not cover peripherals- 40% of weight collected• Does not cover recyclers of business material

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Part 111 Hazardous Waste

BUSINESS ELECTRONICS • Consumer electronics are a universal waste

– Encourages recycling– UWs count toward generator status if not

properly managed

• Exemptions for electronics– CRT exemption– CESQG exemption

• Bottom Line: business electronics can be regulated just like otherwastes generated by a business.– Waste gone wild session on Thursday AM

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Proper Recycling of Electronics

What is proper management of unwanted electronics? • Basic: Unwanted = waste • EMS program outlines how material should be handled• Electronics contain toxics

Heavy metals, flame retardants (plastics) • Proper management depends on the class of material

• Recycle if it has no useful life• Reuse - functional value

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Electronic Recyclers

How do I find a responsible recycler? • Understand the Company’s process

• Recycling/disposal• Assessment/Reuse/Recycle/Disposal• Other

• Look for Certifications• Not a solution to all evils• Referrals from other businesses• Registration with DEQ• Waste Identification number

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Sources for information

• DEQ maintains a registered recycler list• www.michigan.gov/deqewaste

• Electronics program lists recyclers with certifications• https://sustainableelectronics.org/recyclers• http://e-stewards.org/find-a-recycler/• www.michigan.gov/deqewaste

• DEQ inspects registered companies regularly – minimum every two years

• DEQ District Offices – Hazardous Waste Inspectors

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Waste Gone WILD

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

Questions

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MICHIGAN WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE

CONTACT INFORMATION

STEVE NOBLEMichigan DEQ

Waste Management and Radiological Protection Division Sustainable Materials Management Unit

517-449-6153NobleS4@Michigan.gov