By using ARC Broward Electronics Recycling
Services…, Helping to Employ Individuals with Disabilities
Disposal of Electronics Equipment - Increasing
Problem
Progress in the world of technology has produced
huge amounts of electronic equipment that is becoming obsolete faster. It
is estimated that 63 million personal computers are disposed of each year
and that nearly 300 million personal computers will need to be recycled over
the next four to five years half of which are waiting in storage.
Many electronic devices contain materials such
as lead and other heavy metals. Computers contain over 100 materials including
environmentally harmful lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, PVC plastics,
brominated flame retardants and acids. Adding these materials to diminishing
landfill space is not a viable option.
Alternatives to Responsible Electronics
Recycling are Less Desirable and Risky
•
Costly storage: many businesses and governmental
entities are simply avoiding the issue by storing these items in warehouses
which can be costly and never ending.
•
Charitable Donations are becoming risky and more
difficult: charities and non profits are accepting fewer of such donations
due to increasing liability for improperly disposing of unwanted items. In
such cases the donor may also have liability.
•
Discarding the equipment may result in liability:
if electronics equipment is discarded into the garbage or dumpster and dangerous
substances from electronics enter the waste stream environmental liability
of the original owner is a significant and increasing risk under State and
federal laws and regulations.
Business entities and governmental organizations
are required by environmental regulations to be particularly cautious about
how they dispose of their computers, cell phones and other electronic equipment.
Environmental regulations are changing and a higher degree of responsibility
and care must be taken to assure that end of life electronics are properly
handled, so that they do not end up in dumpsters or foreign countries in
a way that may be environmentally unwise or unsafe.
Chief Information Officers, Chief Financial
Officers, Chief Operating Officers, Risk Managers and Chief Executive Officers
are making the decision to contract with ARC Broward's Electronics Recycling
Services, to assure they are protected and can demonstrate to regulators
if necessary that they have taken reasonable precautions to utilize an
environmentally responsible service to dispose of such equipment.
The Answer to The Problem - Responsible
Recycling
ARC Broward offers a menu of services and prices
depending on location, volume and the services desired.
For example, one option deals with wiping computer
hard drives clean to assure protection of sensitive proprietary and other
confidential information. This is especially important in order to comply
with recent Healthcare Information Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA)
regulations.
Much of the cost is offset by the fact that
ARC Broward is a non-profit Section 501(c)3 tax exempt organization.
Simply donating your old computer to your favorite
charitable organization often results in the unused equipment going into
the dumpster. This exposes the charitable organization and the original corporate
owner to potential liability. Greater care is required under emerging
regulations, and ARC Broward's Electronics Recycling Services has determined
how to fill that need and turn it into a way to enhance employment options
for individuals with disabilities.
What Materials Can Be Accepted?
•
Computers
•
Monitors
•
Laptops
•
Keyboards and Mice
•
Printers and Copiers
•
Televisions
•
DVD, DVR and VCR Players
•
Fax Machines
•
Cell Phones, Chargers and Rechargeable Batteries
Who Can Participate?
Broward County Residents and Small Businesses
receive Free Electronics Disposal Services With Funding from Broward County
Waste and Recycling Services through a contract with ARC Broward.
(Proof of Broward County residency required such
as driver's license, utility or tax bill)
How Are Materials Handled?
Materials are recycled, refurbished in an
environmentally safe manner. In some cases, computers and other equipment
will be refurbished and donated to low income individuals and individuals
with developmental disabilities and their families.
Medium to large businesses and all other entities
should contact ARC Broward at 954-577-4160 to arrange an appointment.
ERS provides businesses with a certificate of
environmentally safe recycling and can erase hard drives to maintain privacy
and confidentiality of recycled material upon request. ARC maintains compliance
with EPA and privacy protection regulations. We aim to provide prompt service
and high customer satisfaction. Pick-up of material can be arranged directly
at your place of business. Let us know how we can help you!
When & Where?
If you are a Broward County resident and/or small
business and would like to donate your electronic material, you can do so
at any one of the following drop-off locations:
•
ARC Broward, 10250 NW 53rd Street, Sunrise from
8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. (By Appointment Only; Please
call 954-577-4160)
•
Broward County's North Trash Transfer Station,
2780 N. Powerline Road, Pompano from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm every Saturday.
•
Broward County's South Trash Transfer Station,
5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hollywood from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm every Saturday.
•
Broward County's Central Trash Transfer Station,
5490 Reese Rd., Davie from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm every Saturday.
ARC Broward is a private, not-for-profit organization
providing supports and assistance to people with disabilities. Because ARC
Broward is a 501(C)(3), charitable organization, you and/or your business
can receive a tax deduction for your donated electronics. For specific tax
benefits, please see your legal tax-advisor.
Incorporated in 1956, ARC Broward provides supports
and assistance to over 1000 children and adults with disabilities and their
families each day and employs over 450 educational, vocational and health
care professionals.
