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Los
Angeles
Environmental Learning Center
What is E-Waste
E-Waste (Electronic Waste) is a popular, informal name for
unwanted electronic products. Items such as computers, TV's, VCR's, stereos,
copiers, fax machines and telephones are common electronic products that become
unwanted as they are replaced by newer, more advanced products. Some of these
unwanted products can be reused or refurbished. Non-profit, charitable
organizations such as L.A. Shares, Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul may accept electronic products that are in good working condition
or that may only need minor repairs in order to be reused. Contact these
organizations directly for more information.
The CRT Issue
Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT's) are the picture tubes in computer
monitors and TV's. They are found in virtually every household and office
throughout the nation. With the rapid evolution of technology, computers become
obsolete in a short period of time. With the coming advent of High Definition
(HD) digital TV's, current analog TV's will become obsolete. Each year, an
estimated six million CRT's are discarded in California. A typical 17-inch CRT
contains approximately two pounds of lead. Larger CRT's may contain up to ten
pounds of lead. Lead is a known toxic substance and disposal of CRT's in landfills
can cause the pollution of soil and groundwater. California's Department of
Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has declared that CRT's are banned from
disposal in landfills.
Consumer Electronic Devices
(CEDs)
CED's are common consumer electronic devices that are used in the
home or office, such as telephones, cellular phones, answering machines,
radios, stereo equipment, tape players/recorders, phonographs, video cassette
players/recorders, compact disc players/recorders, calculators, copiers and fax
machines. The DTSC has determined that CED's contain toxic substances and
should not be disposed of in landfills.
What You Can Do
LA Sanitation has established a number of permanent collection
sites throughout the City, known as S.A.F.E.
CENTERS. These S.A.F.E.
CENTERS are open every
weekend and provide a timely and convenient way to dispose of your residential,
household e-waste. In addition, LA Sanitation's Residential Special Materials
Collection Program sponsors periodic mobile collection events throughout the City, where residents can drop-off their unwanted
household electronic equipment to be recycled and/or disposed properly. Residents are limited to a total of
six pieces per visit to a SAFE Center. Of the six pieces, no more than two
pieces can be CRT-related. Small items (mouses, cables, modems, cell phones,
etc.) can be packed in a carton box and that carton will be considered one
item.
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