In the spring of 2004, NRCM provided the leadership that resulted in passage of Maine's unprecedented e-waste law. That law is now being implemented, giving consumers an opportunity to safely dispose of their obsolete computers and TV's more easily and at lower cost than before the law was passed. To learn more about electronic waste and Maine's law, click here.
Maine has a system of “shared responsibility” for the recycling of computer monitors and televisions. Maine’s e-waste law requires the consumer, their town or city, and manufacturers to all have a role in making sure computer monitors and televisions get recycled in an environmentally sound way. Please follow the steps below to safely recycle your e-waste today!
How do I properly dispose of my old computer or television set (also known as electronic waste or “e-waste”)?
It’s easy! Just follow these simple steps and you’re on your way to unloading that old PC or “reception-challenged” TV.
| Step 1: | Follow this link* to find your town on our e-waste collection locations page.(*Note: this link opens up an Excel spreadsheet. If you have trouble opening this link, please email mattp@nrcm.org to request that a copy of the spreadsheet be mailed to you.) The towns are listed alphabetically. Scroll down until you find yours. Some towns charge a small drop-off fee for safe disposal and recycling. Because Maine’s e-waste law ensures that manufacturers share in the cost of recycling, drop-off fees have been substantially reduced across the state. For your convenience, we have also listed collection information for other household waste containing toxic components such as mercury thermostats, batteries and fluorescent bulbs. |
| Step 2: | Find your local e-waste collection location.Each town will have a designated e-waste collection location with the address listed. Many towns collect e-waste at your local transfer station. If you do not know where your local e-waste collection location is located or when they accept e-waste, please call the location contact number to find out where and when to take your e-waste. The name and number is listed in the location contact and phone number column in the web page link above. Your local official will let you know where, when and how you can properly dispose of your old computer or television set for safe recycling. |
| Step 3: | Take your e-waste to the proper place to be recycled. Now that you’ve found out where to take your e-waste, you’re ready to unload that old Apple IIC or Commodore64 that has been collecting dust in your basement for all these years. |
| Step 4 (Optional): | Contact us and let us know how it went.We would like to know how citizens and towns are responding to Maine’s new e-waste law. After you’ve dropped off your old computer or television set, please contact Matt Prindiville at 1-800-287-2345, or by e-mail at mattp@nrcm.org to let us know about your e-waste recycling experience. |
Other Options: Manufacturer "take-back"
Some manufacturers of computers are offering take-back programs or reuse incentives. This means that a computer can be returned to the manufacturer or a designated company for recycling, or donated to a charity for credit. There may be substantial fees for sending your computer back to the manufacturer, but government entities are negotiating with to make this a more affordable and user friendly system. Specific program details are available on the companies' websites.
For more information about electronic waste or how to properly dispose of your old television set or computer, please contact Matt Prindiville at 1-800-287-2345 x244, or by e-mail at mattp@nrcm.org.