Information on computer waste for businesses, governments, institutions and industry | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

Find an electronics recycler

List of recyclers.
Questions for a non-residential facility to ask a recycler or broker of unwanted electronic equipment.
Colorado strongly encourages (but doesn’t require) the reuse, refurbishment or disassembly for materials recovery (collectively called “recycling”) of end-of-life computer equipment instead of disposal.

Disposal of most waste electronics from non-residential sources is regulated as hazardous waste

Analytical data show waste electronics consistently exceed the regulatory limits for heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury.
Colorado regulations prohibit non-residential entities from disposing of any hazardous waste in solid waste landfills in the state.
This waste may be sent to a legitimate electronics recycler or must be disposed of at a permitted hazardous waste disposal facility.

Manufacturer recycling programs

Several major manufacturers of computers and other electronics offer their business customers recycling and takeback alternatives for their products.
Some equipment suppliers may act as agents for computer manufacturers' trade-in/upgrade programs.

Greening electronics purchases

Alternatives to managing an organization's electronic equipment start when purchasing new equipment

Repair instead of replace.
Buy durable, upgradable, eco-friendly equipment.
Require dealer or manufacturer take-back up front.
Lease equipment.
Sample language to "green" computer procurement.

Information security

You are ultimately responsible for protecting information stored on the hard drive of your computers, printers and other devices

Simply deleting files and reformatting the hard drive does not guarantee that all of your data will be destroyed.
- Use special disk wiping software designed to protect sensitive data.
- Remove your hard drive and destroy it.
  - Hammer a nail through it in several places.
  - Dismantle and deeply scratch or break the inner disk plates.

Once you've secured your information, bring the drive and other electronic waste to a reputable recycler.
Some recyclers may perform these tasks for an additional fee.

Guidance

Electronic waste fact sheet for regulated facilities and waste haulers
Management of electronics waste compliance bulletin