Next time your computer bites the dust, whatever you do, don't simply dump it in the trash. That's now illegal in Oregon. On January 1st, the Oregon Electronics Recycling Law's disposal ban went into effect.
Back in 2007, the Oregon legislature passed the recycling law, making it illegal for consumers to dispose of computers, monitors or TVs in the garbage or at disposal sites such as landfills, transfer stations and incinerators. The new law (ORS 459A.300-.365) also created and finances Oregon E-Cycles, a statewide recycling program for desktop computers, portable computers, monitors and televisions (which in government-speak are referred to collectively as "covered electronic devices" or CEDs).
To implement the program, the Oregon DEQ contracted with the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) to develop a plan to collect CED's at no cost to consumers in every county and city in Oregon with a population greater than 10,000. The electronics are then transported and recycled.
Oregon E-Cycles, which is financed by electronics manufacturers and jointly implemented with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), now provides free recycling of CED's at 220 collection sites statewide. Residents can bring seven or fewer computers at time (both desktops and laptops), monitors and TVs to participating collection sites for free recycling. (Some sites may accept more than seven items from households, small businesses and small nonprofits with 10 or fewer employees.) Here's a partial list of other electronics recyclers. You can also call toll-free at (888) 5-ECYCLE (888-532-9253) for more information. Recycling services are available year-round. Electronics manufacturers are also required to provide recycling services.
Anyone violating the ban could receive a penalty of up to $500 per violation. Each computer, monitor or TV disposed of improperly is considered a separate violation. The ban doesn't include computer peripherals (keyboards, mice, etc.) or other types of electronics.
Below is a list of the sites in Bend and Redmond (Sisters doesn't have any listed):
Bend
Goodwill, 61315 S Hwy. 97
Goodwill Donation Station, Target, 63435 N Hwy. 97
Goodwill Donation Station, 1121 NW Newport Ave.
Goodwill Donation Station, Sentry Market, 725 NE Greenwood Ave.
Deschutes Recycling, Knott Landfill, 61050 SE 27th St
Redmond
Goodwill, 3399 S Hwy 97
Goodwill Transfer Station, Grocery Outlet, 798 NW 5th St.
Negus Transfer Station, 2400 NE Maple
Here's more complete info about the above Computer Recycling Stations (including times, phone numbers and driving directions).
About the Author:
Lisa Broadwater is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Redmond and Bend. If you'd like to learn more about Central Oregon, please visit www.CentralOregonHome4You.com.
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