Used Electronic Equipment
Management of Used Electronic Equipment in New York State
What is Used Electronic Equipment?
Used electronic equipment can encompass a variety of equipment including, but not limited to computers, CRTs, wireless telephones, electronic keyboards, mice, televisions, printers, monitors, portable digital music players, video cassette recorders, DVD players, Blu-ray disc players, digital video recorders, digital converter boxes, cable or satellite receivers, electronic game consoles, PDAs, facsimile machines, and photocopiers, etc.
Much of this used electronic equipment contains hazardous elements and compounds, including lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can be toxic if released into the environment. Therefore, it is important that used electronic equipment is managed properly, which in some cases means management as a hazardous waste.
Available options for managing used electronic equipment include reuse, recycling, and disposal (which is least preferred and not always an option). To find more information on the proper management of used electronic equipment and which options are available for you or your organization, click on the appropriate guidance link below.
Proposed Used Electronic Equipment Rulemaking
The NYSDEC is currently in the process of developing a proposed rulemaking that will amend regulations to streamline the management of used electronic equipment. Updated information on the "Proposed Used Electronic Equipment Rulemaking" process is available.
Recycling Wireless Telephones
Under the New York State Wireless Recycling Act, which became effective January 1, 2007, all wireless telephone service providers that offer phones for sale must accept cell phones for reuse or recycling. There are additional options and information available regarding the reuse and recycling of wireless telephones in New York State.
More about Used Electronic Equipment:
- Guidance for Households - This page contains information on used electronic equipment management for households, including where homeowners can return their unwanted electronic equipment.
- Guidance for Municipal Collection Activities - This page outlines the options and regulations which apply to used electronic equipment when it is collected by a municipality.
- Guidance for Businesses, Institutions and Government - This page contains information on the proper management of used electronic equipment by entities other than households. This guidance applies to any organization or company that uses electronic equipment and subsequently takes it out of service. Examples include businesses, industries, schools, colleges, governments, and non-profit organizations.
- Guidance for Collectors, Dismantlers and Recyclers - This page contains detailed information on how collectors, dismantlers, and recyclers of used electronic equipment are regulated in New York State.
- List of Dismantlers and Recyclers of Used Electronic Equipment - A list of Commercial Used Electronic Equipment Dismantlers and Recyclers located in New York and surrounding states that have provided "c7" notifications to the Department in accordance with 6 NYCRR 371.1(c)(7).
- Digital Television (DTV) Conversion Information - This page contains information on the June 12, 2009 switch from analog to digital television (DTV).
- "c7" Notifications for Used Electronic Equipment - This page contains a listing of sample "c7" notification forms for used electronic equipment collectors, dismantlers or recyclers; municipal collection activities; non-household generators using a collector, dismantler or recycler; and for non-household generators using a municipal collection event or location.
- Used Electronic Equipment FAQs - Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the management of used electronic equipment.
