FAQs for Collectors
and Operators
ADDTIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 802-224-0105
Q) W
hat kinds of Waste Electronic Devices are banned from landfill disposal?
Banned Electronic Devices, (whether generated by businesses or households), cannot be disposed in the trash. Electronic Devices
banned from landfill disposal include: Computers, peripherals, computer monitors, cathode ray tubes, televisions, printers,
personal electronics such as personal digital assistants and music players, electronic game consoles, printers, fax machines, all
telephones, answering machines, videocassette recorders, digital versatile disc players, digital converter boxes, stereo equipment,
and power supply cords (as used to charge electronic devices). There are many other electronic devices that are not included in
this list; however it is recommended that devices that contain potential hazardous components such as circuit boards and screens
be managed in the same manner even if they are not specifically banned from landfill disposal.
Q) W
hat devices are considered “Electronic Waste” under the electronic waste law? (i.e., collected at E-cycles locations for
free from covered entities)?
• Computers (such as desktops, all-in-one computers, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, and tablets)
• Computer monitors (any type, i.e., CRTs, flat panel displays, LCD displays, plasma displays)
• Printers (most types including multifunctional machines – does not include floor-standing models)
• Televisions (any type, i.e., CRTs, flat panel displays, LCD displays, plasma displays)
• Computer Peripherals (items sold exclusively for external use which connect to a computer such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner,
external hard drive, modem, UPS, computer speakers, etc.)
Note: A covered entity is a household, charity, school district, business with 10 or fewer employees or anyone who brings in
7 or fewer devices.
Q) Are there special management requirements for Banned Electronic Devices?
Banned Electronic Devices must be stored on an impervious surface and within a structure or transportation unit such that the
electronic device is protected from precipitation. Outdoor storage is prohibited at any time. Electronic devices should be managed
in a manner adequate to prevent breakage during transportation, storage, and handling. Waste “Banned Electronic Devices” may be
labeled as “Electronic Waste,” “Used Electronics” or another term approved by the Secretary. The accumulation of electronic devices
must be limited to one year from the date it becomes a waste or is received.
Q) Can I put Electronic Devices into the scrap metal recycling bin?
Whole “electronic waste” devices (i.e. computers, printers, monitors, computer peripherals, and televisions) collected from anyone
cannot be placed in the scrap metal bin. It is recommended that all other electronic devices that contain a circuit board or other
hazardous constituents also not be placed in a scrap metal recycling bin.
Q) Is there any signage available for this program?
Yes, we have signs that include a poster for retailers, an electronics disposal ban poster, and a poster for collection locations.
Please visit www.casella.com/vtecycles to download the files.
Q) Are there any collection and storage requirements regulated by the State?
Yes there are! Please check out the procedure for environmentally sound management of electronic devices available at
www.casella.com/vtecycles or www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/e-waste
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CASELLA RESOURCE SOLUTIONS
LEARN MORE AT CASELLA.COM/VTECYCLES
FAQs for Collectors
and Operators
ADDTIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 802-224-0105
Q) H
ow do I manage a broken or damaged Banned Electronic Device?
Some electronic devices are fragile and subject to breakage (e.g., Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), flat panel and LCD display screens)
and therefore pose a potential threat to human health and the environment because they contain hazardous substances such
as lead and mercury. Other electronic devices that contain hazardous components that are more rugged (i.e., circuit boards,
batteries, capacitors) under normal conditions (i.e., not bulging or leaking) pose less of a threat.
As such, the decision about how to manage broken electronic devices should be based according to the type(s) of hazardous
components contained within a device as follows:
• Damaged Electronic Devices with intact components such as circuit boards (i.e. keyboard, mouse, desktop computer) and
plasma screen devices whose only hazardous components are intact components, do not require any additional treatment
beyond storing the devices on an impervious surface, within a structure that sheds rain and snow, and packaged in a manner to
protect the device sufficiently (even if they are damaged) from any additional damage.
•B
roken Cathode Ray Tubes or “CRTs” (i.e., older televisions and computer monitors that contain leaded glass) If the CRT glass is
broken or shows evidence of damage that could cause a release of glass particles under reasonably foreseeable conditions, the
glass must be: Placed in a closed container that is structurally sound and protects further breakage of the glass.
Labeled or marked with one of the following phrases: “Universal Waste-Cathode Ray Tube(s),” or “Waste Cathode Ray Tube(s),”
or “used Cathode Ray Tube(s),” or “universal Waste-CRT(s),” or “Waste CRT(s),” or “Used CRT(s).”
•B
roken Electronic Devices that contain mercury lamps (e.g. Liquid Cathode Display “LCD” Displays)-where there is evidence
that the lamp is broken: Clean up immediately and place in a closed container that is structurally sound, protects from further
breakage, and is compatible with the waste (i.e. not a metal container).
Do not vacuum broken lamps as this may spread any mercury vapor. If the screen is broken and the lamps are intact, the device
must be protected and managed in a way to prevent further damage and potential breakage of the lamps during storage.
•B
ulging or Leaking Batteries Contain any battery that shows evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage
under reasonably foreseeable conditions in a container.
The container must be closed, structurally sound, compatible with the contents of the battery, and must lack evidence of
leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause leakage under reasonably foreseeable conditions.
Containers used to store broken electronic devices must be labeled to identify the contents as “broken electronic devices” and
can be shipped to a recycling facility along with other containers of intact electronic devices. Multiple broken electronic devices
can be placed into one collection container provided the comingled waste does not have incompatible hazardous
waste constituents.
Q) I have a question about the program, who do I call?
If you have any questions at all about the MOU, the rate sheet, or the program logistics, please contact us at [email protected].
We will get back to as soon as possible. For general questions about the program, call 802-224-0105.
CASELLA RESOURCE SOLUTIONS
LEARN MORE AT CASELLA.COM/VTECYCLES
FAQs for Consumers
and Covered Entities
ADDTIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 802-224-0105
Q) W
here can I recycle Electronics?
To find a Vermont E-Cycles collection location near you, visit www.casella.com/vtecycles.
Vermont E-Cycles collection locations provide FREE recycling of computers, monitors, televisions, printers, and computer
peripherals for residents, charities, school districts, and small businesses. REMEMBER: As of January 1, 2011, Vermont residents
and businesses can no longer put electronics in the garbage, or take them to a transfer station or landfill to be thrown away.
They must be recycled. Participating collection locations may also take other electronics that are NOT covered under the Vermont
E-Cycles program, and may charge a fee to recycle them. Please contact the collection location for more information
Q) I s the data on my device safe when I drop it off?
re you worried about leaving data on your computer when donating or recycling it? It’s up to you to remove any sensitive data
A
from your computer before taking it to an E-Cycles collection location or a location for reuse.
The Department of Environmental Conservation, Casella and North Coast LL do not guarantee the security of any personal
or confidential information stored in the electronic products that are collected under the Vermont E-Cycles Program. Simply
reformatting your drive or deleting files does NOT destroy your data. Many software programs, though, can do this for you.
Q) Are there special management requirements for Banned Electronic Devices?
Banned Electronic Devices must be stored on an impervious surface and within a structure or transportation unit such that the
electronic device is protected from precipitation. Outdoor storage is prohibited at any time. Electronic devices should be managed
in a manner adequate to prevent breakage during transportation, storage, and handling. Waste “Banned Electronic Devices” may be
labeled as “Electronic Waste,” “Used Electronics” or another term approved by the Secretary. The accumulation of electronic devices
must be limited to one year from the date it becomes a waste or is received.
Q) What kinds of Waste Electronic Devices are banned from landfill disposal?
Banned Electronic Devices, (whether generated by businesses or households), cannot be disposed in the trash. Electronic Devices
banned from landfill disposal include:
Computers, peripherals, computer monitors, cathode ray tubes, televisions, printers, personal electronics such as personal digital
assistants and music players, electronic game consoles, printers, fax machines, all telephones, answering machines, videocassette
recorders, digital versatile disc players, digital converter boxes, stereo equipment, and power supply cords (as used to charge
electronic devices). There are many other electronic devices that are not included in this list; however it is recommended that
devices that contain potential hazardous components such as circuit boards and screens be managed in the same manner even if
they are not specifically banned from landfill disposal.
Q) Why is the program free? How is the program funded?
VT E-Cycles is not paid for out of the State budget or tax revenues. Instead, the manufacturers fund the program based on the
market share of electronics they sell in Vermont.
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CASELLA RESOURCE SOLUTIONS
LEARN MORE AT CASELLA.COM/VTECYCLES
FAQs for Consumers
and Covered Entities
ADDTIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 802-224-0105
Q) W
hat devices are considered “Electronic Waste” under the electronic waste law? (i.e., collected at E-cycles locations for
free from covered entities)?
• Computers (such as desktops, all-in-one computers, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, and tablets)
• Computer monitors (any type, i.e., CRTs, flat panel displays, LCD displays, plasma displays)
• Printers (most types including multifunctional machines – does not include floor-standing models)
• Televisions (any type, i.e., CRTs, flat panel displays, LCD displays, plasma displays)
• Computer Peripherals (items sold exclusively for external use which connect to a computer such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner,
external hard drive, modem, UPS, computer speakers, etc.)
Q) A
m I a covered under the law?
A covered entity is a household, charity, school district, business with 10 or fewer employees.
Q) C
an my waste hauler or curbside collection program bring electronic waste to a collection location for free?
Not for free, and typically not unless you arrange in advance for pickup. A transporter who collects electronic waste from a
covered entity can bring electronic waste to a collection location; however, they will be charged as they are not a covered entity
by definition in the law. Transporters will be charged for disposal and should keep this in mind when offering curb-side or other
pick-up services for their customers.
Q) W
here can I drop off my Electronic Waste?
There are over 90 locations state-wide that will take your Electronic Waste for free. These locations will also accept your
other banned electronic devices for a fee. For the complete list of Collection Locations, please visit www.vtecycles.org or call
1-855-6-ECYCLE. Any Covered Entity may use any Collection Location in the state.
Q) W
hen does the E-Cycles program end?
VT E-Cycles is a permanent program and will continue indefinitely. It was created through legislation passed by the Vermont
Legislature and signed by the Governor in 2010.
CASELLA RESOURCE SOLUTIONS
LEARN MORE AT CASELLA.COM/VTECYCLES