How to Recycle under the Electronics Scrap Management Rule - Frequently Asked Questions - PUB2939

Most electronics from residences can legally be discarded with household trash, but the department recommends exploring other options, like recycling or donating. Under the Electronics Scrap Management Rule, any covered computer equipment bought in Missouri after July 1, 2010, will come with a recovery plan from the manufacturer that specifies how they will collect and recycle that equipment when you no longer want it, at no cost to you. Covered computer equipment bought before July 1, 2010, and manufactured under a brand by a company still selling computers in Missouri will also be eligible for free and convenient recycling.

Many questions have been raised about how to recycle unwanted computer equipment under the Electronics Scrap Management rule. We have tried to cover each question below. If you do not see your question, or would like clarification about an answer listed, please contact the Solid Waste Management Program.

What equipment is covered under the Electronics Scrap Management Rule?

The Electronics Scrap Management Rule only applies to covered equipment used by households or home businesses. Covered equipment includes notebook or laptop computers, desktop computers, computer monitors or other display devices that do not contain a tuner. A tuner is an electronic device or circuit used to select signals at a specific frequency for amplification and conversion to pictures or sound. These are typically found in televisions.

If your computer was purchased as a package, meaning a computer, keyboard and mouse were sold together, then the keyboard and mouse are also covered equipment. If a keyboard or mouse was purchased separately, without a computer, then the keyboard and mouse are not covered equipment.

What equipment is not covered under the Electronics Scrap Management Rule?

The Electronics Scrap Management Rule does not apply to covered equipment under a lease agreement or equipment from businesses, including charities, nonprofits, schools, churches and public and governmental agencies. This rule does not apply to televisions, electronics from motor vehicles, typewriters, typesetters, calculators, personal digital assistants, telephones or printers. Display devices not associated with computers, such as electronic books or picture frames, are also not covered.

How much will it cost me to recycle my covered equipment under the Electronics Scrap Management Rule?

Electronics covered under the Electronics Scrap Management rule will be recycled at no cost to you. The computer equipment manufacturer cannot require you to purchase anything in exchange for recycling your covered equipment or require you to wait for a rebate of recycling fees.

How do I recycle my covered equipment under the Electronics Scrap Management Rule?

Under the Electronics Scrap Management rule, a computer equipment manufacturer with a department-approved recovery plan is required to provide a publicly available website that includes collection, recycling and reuse information for all their brand(s), both in use and no longer in use. The computer equipment manufacturers listed on the department's Registered Computer Equipment Manufacturers List have a department approved recovery plan. You simply locate your computer equipment's manufacturer or brand name on the department's list and follow the link to the manufacturer's approved recovery plan and website.

What if my computer equipment's manufacturer is not on the list?  How do I recycle my covered equipment?

If a computer equipment manufacturer chooses not to sell computers in Missouri, they do not have to collect or recycle your covered equipment. You can contact your computer equipment's manufacturer directly to find out if they have a take-back or recycling program.

While most electronics from residences can legally be discarded with household trash, the department recommends exploring other options, like recycling or donating. There is recycling and donating information available on the department's Electronics web page. You could also take your unwanted electronics to one of the recyclers listed on the department's list of Registered Electronics Recycling Businesses.

Where can I find more information about the Electronic Scrap Management Rule?

A complete copy of the Electronics Scrap Management rule is located in the Code of State Regulations at 10 CSR 25-19.010.