Frequently Asked Questions
**Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle**
- WHAT IS E-WASTE?
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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.
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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.
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Click here for more information:
Electronic Hazardous Ewaste
- WHAT HAPPENS TO THE E-WASTE ONCE EWM COLLECTS IT?
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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
E-Recycling of California located at 31775 Hayman St. in Hayward. All hazardous materials
collected is processed in the United States.
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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 E-Recycling of California.
There the CRTs are "cancelled" and the lead is removed. The glass, plastic, and metals are individually processed and
sent to "State-Approved" vendors.
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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 SIMS Metal in Hayward, 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.
- WHAT ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED ITEMS DROP OFF?
Accepted E-Waste:
| Audio/Visual Equipment | Back-up 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:
Not Accepted Items:
| Alkaline Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D+) | Button batteries |
| Car Batteries | Fluorescent Bulbs |
| Furniture | Household Appliances |
| Light Bulbs | Smoke Detectors |
If you have something unique please call us to see if it’s eligible.
