As technology continues to advance, formerly cutting-edge electronics are rapidly becoming obsolete. The National Safety Council states in a recent study that the useful life of a computer is only three to five years and shrinking.

In 2005, more than 63 million personal computers are projected to retired.  Obsolescence is presenting everyone with a new problem. The experts agree that the best way to deal with obsolete electronics is through reuse and recycling.

Electronics products can contain a dozen or more toxic and hazardous materials.  The cathode ray tube (CRTs) in monitors contains an average of four pounds of lead each. Lead and other toxins pose a problem in landfills because they can leach into the ground water. Lead exposure has been linked to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and at very high levels; seizures, comas and even death.

Why Recycle Used Electronics and Household Hazardous Waste?
There is concern, particularly at the state and local level that electronics' and Household hazardous products containing hazardous substances may pose environmental and health risks if they are not properly managed at end-of-life. When hazardous substances are put into the trash, they end up in landfills. We want to encourage the citizens of North Dakota to look at alternative methods of disposal of these products. Individual communities need to take responsibility to properly manage these types of household hazardous waste. Please help improve the quality of life in North Dakota by selecting proper disposal methods such as reuse and recycling.

Why should my community consider disposal or recycling options? 
Community reuse/recycle partnerships involving local governments, businesses, and citizens have proven to be successful across the nation. Promoting options of reuse and recycling programs will help educate rural communities about the proper handling of hazardous substances as well as end-of-life disposal options and other community share programs. Working together we can educate our communities, activate our citizens, and promote the welfare of the environment of North Dakota.

 

Lake Agassiz Regional Development Corporation along with MinnKota Recycling received a rural development grant from the USDA to provide education assistance and training for communities on the proper disposal methods of household hazardous waste and electronics. Our goal is to provide communities residents and business with a structured design on how to implement and develop collection system that are universal and correspond to local needs. We want to provide rural communities with access to cost effective management programs of the their municipal solid waste, especially household hazardous and electronic waste.
This Web site has been provided by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture - Rural Utilities Service - Water and Environmental Program.

US Department of Agriculture
Rural Development
Rural Utilities Service
Water and Environmental Program
1400 Independence Avenue SW-Mail #1570
Washington, DC 20250
(202) 720-1938

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