Introduction
The International Association of Electronics Recyclers estimates that one billion computers will become available for recycling before 2010 and that only about 10% of obsolete computers are currently recycled. There are typically not enough scrap computers in any one small-to-medium sized business to make it cost-effective for a computer recycler to collect the computers. However, if several businesses get together on one collection route, a computer recycler can collect the computers economically for both the hauler and the scrap generator, thus keeping the lead and other hazardous heavy metals out of landfills. This type of arrangement is a collection collaborative.

Computer Collection Collaborative
WasteCap Wisconsin, through funding by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, worked to establish a Computer Collection Collaborative in Wisconsin. WasteCap worked with a handful of medium-sized businesses, a waste hauler, and a computer recycler, to establish an economically viable plan for recycling computers. WasteCap worked with businesses to assess their computer recycling needs, worked with a waste hauler to establish a collection route and workable schedule for collection, and identified a computer recycler to take the old computers. WasteCap sent out a request for proposals from computer recyclers for recycling computers. Once the proposals came back, WasteCap recommended a computer recycler to businesses.

What We Needed from You
WasteCap looked for groups of medium-sized businesses with a commitment and willingness to recycle their computers. WasteCap worked with each business to assess their computer recycling needs and coordinate the implementation. Participating businesses just needed to be willing to recycle their used computers.

Benefits of Participation
The benefits of a small-to-medium sized business participating in a program like this are numerous.

"Compliance and Reduced Liability." In Wisconsin, state law prohibits landfilling of computers by businesses. Participation in this program allowed businesses to comply with this regulation.

"Cost Effective Recycling." By partnering with other businesses the cost of recycling your waste computers is significantly reduced.

"A Chance to Positively Effect the Environment." By recycling your waste computers not only are you complying with state law and reducing your liability you are decreasing the amount of hazardous electronic waste going into Wisconsin's landfills and ultimately into the environment.

Computer Collection Collaborative Final Report

Resources
Safe Lamp and Blub Management a WI DNR publication.
Management of Green Fluorescent Blubs a WI DNR publication.
Fluorescent Tube Recyclers in Southeastern Wisconsin - a publication of WasteCap Wisconsin and SEWWRC.
Fluorescent Tube Recyclers in Wisconsin - a publication of WasteCap Wisconsin and SEWWRC.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource's Recycling Markets Directory .