Why Recycle Computers and Other Electronics?

• Cadmium - The largest source of cadmium in municipal waste is rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, commonly found in laptop computers.
  
• Lead - Monitors and televisions contain a picture tube known as a cathode ray tube (CRT). The CRTs contain leaded glass, and are the largest source of lead in municipal waste.

Electronics are also made with a variety of valuable resources such as precious metals, engineered plastics, glass, steel, aluminum, and other materials, all of which require energy to manufacture. When electronic equipment is thrown away, these resources cannot be recovered and additional pollution will be generated to manufacture new products from raw materials.

The Next Electronics Recycling Event

Loudoun County holds two electronics recycling collection events annually, one in the fall and one in the spring. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2008,  from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Telos Xacta Corporation at 19886 Ashburn Road in Ashburn, VA 20147. 
 
Directions: From Route 7, use the Claiborne Parkway Belmont Exit, turn left onto Russell Branch Parkway, then turn left onto Ashburn Road.  Telos Xacta Corporation is on the right, and the event will be accessible from both entrances on Ashburn Road.
 
If you can't wait to recycle your e-waste, try contacting other local recyclers for drop off information, such as E-Tech Recycling (Chantilly, VA) 703-378-5500 and PC Recycler (also in Chantilly, VA) at 703-436-1967.

You will find details about typical items accepted at the events below.

What items will be accepted at the event?

• Computers and all peripherals; for example, processors, keyboards, mice, speakers and cables

• Laptop computers

• UPS backups ($5 fee charged per item)

• Microwave ovens ($5 each)

• Computer monitors ($8 fee charged per item)

• TVs ($12 fee charged per item)

• Console TVs ($20 fee charged per item)

• Big Screen TVs (fee depends on size)

• Stereos

• VCRs and DVD players

• Video game consoles

• Digital cameras, camcorders

• Cell phones, pagers

• Tabletop copiers & scanners

• Tapletop printers & fax machines

• Electric typewriters

• Adding machines

• Surge protectors

• Power cords & cables

What items will not be accepted at the event?

Items that will not be accepted include kitchen, laundry, and bath appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, toaster ovens, clothes washers/dryers, clothes irons, hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors, etc. Stereo speakers, stand-alone copiers, stand-alone printers, CDs and software will not be accepted either.

Is there a limit on the number of items I can bring to the event?

There is a limit of 15 items per vehicle. A computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse will be considered one item. If you have more than 15 items, see Other Computer Recycling Opportunities to determine if any may serve your needs, or call the Loudoun County Recycling Hotline 703-771-5318.

Is there a fee?

There is only a fee for bringing computer monitors, televisions, UPS backups, and microwave ovens. All other electronics accepted at the event will be accepted free of charge.

Fees

• UPS backups $5 each

• Computer monitors $8 each

• TVs $12 each

• Console TVs $20 each

• Microwave ovens $5 each

• All other accepted electronics No charge!

Volunteers Welcome

Volunteers are welcome to assist with unloading vehicles and handing out information during the next electronics recycling event, which will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2008. This is a great opportunity to get involved in public service! High school students are encouraged to apply. Contact the Loudoun County Office of Solid Waste Management for more information at 703-771-5318.

Where does it all go?

AERC Recycling Solutions will collect the electronics at the event and deliver them to a variety of U.S. domestic recycling facilities.

End Market Recycling Facilities for Electronic Wastes

Leaded glass – A high temperature smelting process separates glass and lead or a “glass to glass” process is used where existing leaded glass is used to manufacture new product leaded glass.

Circuit boards – Some chips may be salvaged for re-use. Other chips are smelted for metals recovery at a refinery in Illinois.

Plastics – Handled by local plastics recyclers. Material is ground or shredded for remanufacture and development of new product. Materials are currently shipped to Pennsylvania or Florida.

Metal casings (CPU carcass) – Metals are sent to a local scrap metal recovery facility in Pennsylvania.

Copper wiring – Copper metal and windings are sent to a local scrap metal recovery facility in Pennsylvania.

Other Computer Recycling Opportunities:

• Best Buy stores in Leesburg and Sterling are participating in an electronics recycling program. Customers can bring items such as televisions and monitors up to 32", computers, phones, cameras, and other electronics devices and peripherals in at no charge.
• Dell Recycling accepts all brand name computer equipment and will pick up your recyclable equipment at your home, business or other specified location and send it to a recycling facility.
• E-Tech Recycling, located in Chantilly. Call 703-378-5500 for drop off  information. Also provides collection services for businesses.
• e-END U.S.A. Call 240-529-1010.  Collection and recycling services available for businesses. 
• Hewlett-Packard Recycling accepts all brand name computer equipment and will pick up recyclable equipment at your home, business or other specified location and send it to a recycling facility.
• Keep It Green: Computer Recycling Program, located in Alexandria. Call 703-461-6000. Provides collection services for businesses.
• Metech International: The Consumer Computer and Electronic Recycling Program accepts electronics by mail for $30 per 60 pounds of equipment.
• PC Recycler, Inc. , located in Chantilly. Call 703-436-1967 for drop off information. Also provides collection services for businesses.
• Subtractions. Call 301-362-4000. Provides collection services for businesses.
• Turtlewings. Call  301-583-8300. Provides collection services for business and residential customers.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a comprehensive selection of recycling options for computers and other electronics.
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Computer and Electronics Recycling Program has a comprehensive selection of computer recycling options and information.