Washington state's e-waste recycling program officialy begins January 1, 2009.  This state law allows small businesses (under 50 employees), non-profits, small local governments, school districts and individuals/households to recycle computers, laptops, monitors and televisions at no cost if dropped off at an approved recycler.

Here is the link to the Dept. of Ecology's website explaining the program in more detail:  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/index.html

One company that is among the approved recyclers is 3R Technology, http://www.3rtechnology.com/.  3R is a WTIA member and a participant in our member to member program, http://www.washingtontechnology.org/pages/marketplace/mbr/marketplace_mbr_index.asp.

There is no cost to recycle under the new e-waste program but 3R can also take care of all your recycling needs.  Under our M2M program, WTIA members get discounts for using other WTIA member services.

How do the costs get covered?  Electronic product manufacturers pay fees to the Dept. of Ecology for the program.  Likely you will see those costs passed on in the form of higher prices for computers and TVs but there is no specific fee that is collected from consumers when purchasing covered electronic items.

The purpose of the e-waste recycling program is to prevent the toxic substances in electronic items (mercury, lead, etc.) from winding up in landfills, here and abroad and to reduce the amount of material used in the production of these items.  Companies like 3R also refurbish computers for use in developing nations and for low income purchasers.