Electronics Recycling
Since 2000, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Management Authority has accepted electronic material for proper recycling at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility on Leland Ave in Utica. In 2010, the New York State Legislature passed the Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act. The Act first required manufacturers of electronic products to provide for free and convenient recycling of electronic waste to most consumers in the state (2011). Secondly, the Act established disposal bans for electronic waste and an implementation schedule for the bans.
The disposal ban implementation schedule is outlined below:
- Beginning on January 1, 2012, businesses, private or public corporations, not for profit corporations, and government entities may not dispose of electronic waste, such as computers, computer peripherals, televisions and other small electronic equipment, at a solid waste disposal facility. Also beginning on January 1, 2012, all persons engaged in the collection of solid waste for delivery to a transfer station or landfill facility shall provide written information to their customers on the proper methods for the recycling of electronic waste.
- Beginning on January 1, 2015, the ban will apply to all generators of electronic waste, even households.
The Authority accepts electronic material for recycling at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility all year and is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am until 4:00 pm and on Saturday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm to receive and properly recycle electronic waste. The facility is open to all residents and businesses in Oneida & Herkimer Counties. There is no cost for residents to deliver electronic waste to our facility. For more information about the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, click here.
Electronic waste can also be delivered to the Authority's Western Transfer Station located at 575 Perimeter Road in Rome and the Boonville Transfer Site located at 13680 State Route 12 in Boonville.
Millions of computers, fax machines and other electrical devices become obsolete every year and improper disposal of electronic devices is a major environmental problem and concern. The lead solder, silver, mercury switches, batteries and other chemical components are present in almost all electronics, and in some instances at toxic levels. Disposal of large volumes of electronics is a waste of valuable recyclable resources. Most components, including the hazardous components, can be safely recycled through proper end of life management.
An estimated 20 million personal computers alone became obsolete in the United States last year, but only 2.3 million of them were recycled. An additional 1.3 million were restored, upgraded, and supplied to schools and charitable organizations. The remainder of the computers were disposed of as solid waste.
Recyclable electronic material received by the Authority will be sent to a registered electronics dismantler and de-manufacturer who will separate the material for its recycling value or reuse.
Below is a list of electronic material accepted for recycling.
Recyclable Electronic Material
Material Accepted
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Material Not Accepted for Recycling
- Cash registers
- Kitchen appliances
- Large copiers
- Lamps
- Microwaves
- Remote controls
Computer Recycling Program
As part of the Household Hazardous Waste Management Program, the Authority accepts old computers for recycling and proper disposal. Individuals, businesses, industries and institutions may deliver computer components to the Residential Convenience Station in Utica for proper disposal and recycling.
Computer components, electronics, computer boards, hard drives, modems, cases, and printers are recycled through this program. The small amounts of high value materials (such as silver and gold) contained in the computers will be recovered along with other more common metals and plastics. The computer monitors will also be recycled and properly removed from the waste stream. Computer monitors contain leaded glass and by recycling this material properly disposal risks are minimized. In 2010, the Authority recycled 177 tons of electronics. Individuals interested in delivering computer components should contact the Authority office at 733-1224, or via email by clicking here.