FAQ's
 

 

   

 

 

What is "electronic waste"?

"Electronic waste" (or "e-waste") refers to broken or obsolete electronic devices (electronics) such as computers, televisions, audio equipment, and phones. Today's technology quickly renders most electronics obsolete--especially computers. Consumers are much more likely to replace than repair their unwanted electronics, and to upgrade their equipment as quickly as possible.


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Are electronics "hazardous waste"?

Although all household waste is exempt from Federal regulations governing hazardous waste per 40CFR261.4(b)(1), California's stricter regulations ban household hazardous waste--and specifically electronics--from landfills in order to protect human health and our environment.


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Why are discarded electronics potentially harmful?

Electronic equipment contains heavy metals and other materials that, if improperly managed, can become hazardous to human health and our environment.

Cadmium: The largest source of cadmium in mincipal waste is rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, commonly found in laptop computers.

Lead: Televisions and computer monitors contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain leaded glass and are the largest source of lead in municipal waste.

Mercury: Electronic waste is a leading source of mercury in municipal waste.

Addtionally, electronics often contain precious metals, engineered plastics, glass, and other manufactured materials. When electronics are discarded, these valuable component resources are lost and must be replaced--by new products made from virgin materials via processes that generate even MORE pollution.


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Why is lead used in electronics?

Lead is uniquely capable of meeting the stringent performance standards required by current technology. Tin-lead solder is primarily used to connect electronic components because of its flexibility and durability under normal and extreme conditions of use. CRTs contain leaded glass to protect users from exposure to harmful radiation that's normally generated by the picture tube.


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Why is mercury used in electronics?

Laptop computers, digital cameras, and flat-panel TVs include small mercury-containing lamps that provide energy-efficient illumination, for which there currently is no cost-effective alternative.

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What is required to recycle my electronic devices?

The State of Claifornia requires that we obtain your name, address, phone number, and an accurate list of the electronics being collected or received.

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What types of electronics do you accept?

Below is a partial list of materials that we are able to recycle.

Computers
Phones/Cells
Televisions
Monitors
Fax machines
VCRs/Tape recorders
Laptops
Servers (PC/Mac)
DVD/CD players
Keyboards
Appliances
Microwave ovens
Mice/Trackballs
Speakers
Refrigerators/Freezers
Printers (all sizes/types)
Air conditioners
Sound systems
Scanners
Vacuum cleaners
Washers/Dryers

You can also find a more detailed list here, or call us for further information at 1.888.693.2925.

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What will it cost me to dispose of my e-waste?*

We dispose of electronic waste for FREE however a modest pick-up fee applies to pick-ups! Although we're a privately owned company, we can offer free disposal because we work with the State of California in recyling all e-waste products.

*Small pick-up fee applies if Clean Earth Recycling picks-up your items, drop off and disposal are free of charge, see pick-up page for details.

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Why can't I just throw it away?

Electronic devices contain hazardous and toxic substances that pose serious risks to our environment and our health. For example, heavy metals can leach into landfill soil and then into our underground water supply, causing severe and even life-threatening illnesses.

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Where and when can I drop off my e-waste?

Our new facility is conviently located:

444 Athol Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401

Our hours are as follows:

Office Hours : Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm
Warehouse Hours : Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm

Please call us with any questions you many have!

1.888.693.2925

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Can CER guarantee that these electronics won't end up in a landfill?

We provide each client with a Certificate of Recycling (COR), which certifies that the materials we received were handled in strict compliance with State and Federal regulations. These CORs release our clients from all liability and put the burden of safe recycling on us. This documented information is important for your tax records and for contesting any claims.

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Does CER have all required permits?

We have a documented universal waste disposal plan with California's Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). Our facility can provide policy information upon request.

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