Salvage Reclamation Program Reduces E-Waste

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In today’s technological era, tons of surplus, obsolete electronic devices, commonly called E-waste, are being produced more rapidly than ever. E-Waste is the faster growing segment of waste in developed counties. It accounts for over 705 of all heavy metals in landfills yet is only 2% of the volume. In California, over 6,000 computers become surplus each day while approximately 50% are still functioning. Recognizing this trend, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors allowed a pilot program to be conducted where surplus computers, laptops, monitors, and printers were auctioned off, donated, or recycled from three County departments to potentially save the equipment from the E-Waste pile. The pilot program was very successful. During the initial three months of the program launch, over $11,000 was generated in cash through online auctions. Over $6,000 worth of equipment was donated to the Maricopa County Human Services Campus. This program saved more than 1,200 lbs of E-Waste from going to a landfill.