What I learned today.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, Title 42, USC §6901, et seq, was enacted by Congress to require a safe means of managing hazardous waste from cradle to grave, including its generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and ultimate disposal.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) regulates the storage, disposal and export of hazardous waste. This includes the disposal or export of unwanted electronic devices that contain hazardous or toxic materials.
Nearly all laptop computers, cell phones, televisions, tablets . . . and on and on, contain toxic materials that must be recycled or disposed of responsibly.
Throwing unwanted electronic devices into the garbage along with the used Q-tips is irresponsible and probably illegal under local ordinance. Louisville Metro Solid Waste Ordinance 44 (Series 2005) seems to be controlling, but frankly, I have not read it. Kentucky statutes and administrative agencies probably have something to say about it too.
Putting them out with general plastic or metal recycling is not acceptable. They will not take it.
Oh my!