Frequently Asked
Questions
WHAT IS E-WASTE?
E-waste (electronic waste) is a popular and informal
name for electronic products that are obsolete or
unwanted. TVs, monitors, computers, copiers, fax machines,
audio and video equipment, are some of these common
electronic products.
E-waste is the fastest growing segment of waste
steam in our Nation and the World. Many electronic
products contain high levels of nickel, lead, and
other toxic elements that render them hazardous
waste when disposed. The Department of Toxic
Substances Control (www.dtsc.ca.gov)
prohibits disposal of these hazardous products in
landfills.
Click here for more information:
Electronic Hazardous Ewaste
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE E-WASTE ONCE EWM COLLECTS IT?
EWM receives TONS of e-waste every year from homes, businesses, and government agencies. Proper recycling and processing is essential due to its hazardous potential. Our evaluation of recyclers has guided us to build a solid business partnership with ERI (Electronic Recyclers International) located in Fresno, CA. All hazardous materials collected is processed in the United States. The first step of processing e-waste is the initial separation of product. The monitors and TVs (CRTs) are properly boxed or palletized for shipping. These CRTs along with most of the peripherals are sent directly to ERI (Electronic Recyclers International) . There the CRTs are "cancelled" and the lead is removed. The glass, plastic, and metals are individually processed and sent to "State-
Approved" vendors. Ultimately a
manufacturer will reuse this material to make new products.
Other products that can be refurbished (i.e. ink cartridges,
toner cartridges, cell phones) are tagged for reuse and
shipped off. The computers (CPUs) are taken to EWM's
facility in Hayward where they are disassembled. The
outside metal casing is sent to AMI in San Jose, CA. The hard drives are either
"Government Wiped" or destroyed depending on the unit. Other
internal components (i.e. memory sticks, mother boards) are
evaluated for reuse or "End of Life" recycling.
**Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle**
WHAT ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED ITEMS DROP OFF?
Accepted E-Waste:
| Audio/Visual Equipment | Back-up batteries | Car Batteries | Cell Phones w/ or w/o battery |
| Coaxial Cables | Computer Components | Computer Mouse/Mice | Computers |
| Copiers | Digital Cameras | DVD Players | Fax Machines |
| Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals | Keyboards | Lithium Batteries | Misc Computer Peripherals |
| Monitors | MP3 Players | Pagers | Palm Pilots |
| Power Cables | Power Supplies | Printers | Projectors |
| Rechargable Batteries | Scanners | Server Cabinets | Speakers |
| Steel and Alloy Rims | Steel Scrap | Stereo Equipment | Telephone Equipment |
| Telephone Systems | Toner Cartridges | TVs | Vacuum Cleaners |
| VCRs | Video Game Systems | Walkmans | Wire |
| Wireless Devices |
Accepted with Fee:
| Microwaves (fee $5-) |
Not Accepted Items:
| Alkaline Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D+) | Button batteries |
| Fluorescent Bulbs | Furniture |
| Household Appliances | Smoke Detectors |
If you have something unique please call us to see if it’s eligible.
