Electronics Recycling Program expands in Oregon

PORTLAND (Scrap Monster):  Starting Jan 1^st, 2015, Oregon’s Electronics Collection and Recycling Program will expand to include more items. ‘Oregon E-Cycles’, administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will begin accepting computer peripherals (keyboards and mice) and printers starting next year.

According to DEQ, the addition of new devices may not compete with television sets that constitute the majority of collected devices. However, the addition of additional devices demonstrates the strong commitment of Oregonians to responsibly recycle their old electronics without causing damage to environment.

Since its inception in 2009, the ‘Oregon E-Cycles’ has collected 123.5 million pounds of electronics for recycling and 158,335 units for reuse. The program is all set to surpass its intended collection and recycling goal of 29.3 million pounds in 2014.

The statewide program requires electronics manufacturers to provide responsible recycling for computers, monitors and TVs. Any individual is permitted to drop seven or fewer items to any of the 270 plus collection sites. However, households, small businesses and small non-profits are allowed to drop more than seven items.

‘Oregon E-Cycles’ requires manufacturers to label their computers, monitors and TVs with a visible, permanently affixed brand, and register those brands with DEQ. It also requires manufacturers to participate in the recycling program. Those who fail to comply with the requirements are not permitted to sell their products in Oregon. As per the program, electronics retailers are required to provide customers who buy new computers, monitors or TVs with printed information about Oregon E-Cycles at the point of sale. The administrative costs of the program are funded by Oregon DEQ.