Electronics Recycling

A Partnership

Selecting a Partner• The process began in

August of 2001.• A request for letters of

interest from non-profits was advertised.

• A Selection Negotiation Committee was formed to short list applicants.

• Presentations were made and one firm was selected.

• Negotiations were completed and a contract was signed with a January 2002 start date.

The collection program began January 5, 2002 at both the north and south trash transfer stations, which already serve as drop-off sites for residential household hazardous waste every Saturday.

Each Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., residents may drop off electronics free of charge, with proof of residency.

Newspaper

and radio advertising were developed.

A four page brochure explaining the program, hours of operation and locations was developed and distributed countywide.

• An ARC Broward collection truck is in place at the drop-off sites each Saturday for collection of electronics materials.

• All residents dropping off electronics were required to fill out a survey form with assistance from ARC.

• At the end of the day, collected electronics are taken back to ARC Broward’s facility for processing.

• ARC Broward also provides pick up service to some government offices, as well as small businesses.

• Collected materials, arriving at the facility, are brought to the receiving area, weighed and prepared for demanufacturing.

• The “Crew” is hard at work opening machines to begin the demanufacturing process.

• The warehouse area keeps a stockpile of electronics for ARC “crews” to work on.

Computer anyone ?

• Demanufacturing takes place under the watchful eye of an advisor.

• During the first nine months of operation, the program collected 239,355 pounds of electronics.

• Following are some charts depicting collections and participation.

Participants

Residential

Business Government

70,000

72,000

74,000

76,000

78,000

80,000

82,000

84,000

Residential Government Business

Total Weight (in pounds)

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

Monitors TV <19" TV > 19"

Comparison of Monitors vs. TVs

Residential Government Business

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

Residential Government Business

Monitors vs CPUs

Monitors CPUs

1.8%

54.4%

19.9%23.9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Survey Results

• “Who should operate the electronics recycling program?”

• Government

15.7%

37.5%36.1%

10.7%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

Survey Says

• “Why did you bring your electronics?”

• People were more concerned with safe and convenient handling of their electronics rather than just a “Free” program.

23.3%

37.9%35.8%

2.9%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

Survey Results

• Who should pay for electronics recycling?

• Government vs. Manufacturers