E-Waste: Electronics Recycling

WHAT IS ACCEPTED AND WHERE TO TAKE IT:

Klickitat County residents can recycle E-Waste through the transfer station in Goldendale. E-Waste in this Washington State program is defined specifically as old televisions, desktop computer CPU cases, desktop computer monitors, laptop or portable computers and e-book readers.

E-waste recycling does not include cords, cables, keyboards, mice or other external devices that may be attached to a computer. In the future the definition may be expanded to include other electronic products.

WHO CAN USE THIS SERVICE:

The service is available for E-Waste, as defined above, originating from any Klickitat County home, a 501(c)(3) non-profit/charitable organization, a school or school district, a business with less than 50 employees, or any city/county government facility.

This program is organized by The Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority, (WMMFA). WMMFA is funded by electronics manufacturers selling products in Washington State. This is a permanent program. You might even call ahead before bringing your E-waste. (509) 773-6202.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

TVs, computers and monitors contain significant quantities of the toxins lead, cadmium and mercury. Reclaiming these toxic materials and other valuable resources in the electronics will reduce the burden of containment placed on landfills.

PERSONAL DATA ON COMPUTER HARD DRIVES:

The Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority and its collectors do not guarantee the security of confidential data stored in the electronic products they collect. It is up to you to remove any sensitive data from your computer before taking it to a collector.

The Washington State Department of Ecology web site has useful information concerning data security. They also have links to software that will help you remove data from hard disk drives.

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/data.html