ELECTRONIC WASTE DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
What is electronic waste?
E-waste is now the fastest growing component of municipal solid waste because people are upgrading their mobile phones, computers, televisions, audio equipment and printers more frequently than ever before. Mobile phones and computers are causing the biggest problem because they are replaced most often. The amount of electronic products discarded globally has skyrocketed recently - around 50 million tons every year.
If such a huge amount is hard to imagine, think of it like this - if the estimated amount of E-waste generated every year could be put into containers on a single train, that train would go once around the equator! That's a train over 25,000 miles (or 40,000 kilometers) long!
In the U.S., E-waste is increasing at large volumes per year, almost three times faster than the total waste stream. Developing countries are also expected to triple their e-waste production over the next five years
E-waste is hazardous waste, although it is regulated under universal waste regulations (UW) due to its low risk to human health and the environment.
E-waste includes; CRTs, TV monitors, LCD displays, computers, computer peripherals, telephones, answering machines, radios, stereo equipment, tape players/recorders, phonographs, VCRs and players, CD players and recorders, calculators, small appliances i.e. microwaves, and just about anything with a circuit board, runs on batteries, or plugs into an electrical outlet.
E-Waste can be hazardous for; lead, mercury, copper, cadmium, chromium, zinc, other heavy metals. This is why it is important to keep E-waste out of landfills.
E-Wastes are managed as UW aboard MCAS Miramar. E-waste may be stored on site no longer than 9 months and should be marked as UW while in storage and be protected from the elements. Refer to StaO 5090.5D for management guidance.
Government property should be recycled via Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Further guidance on disposal procedures should be obtained from DLA 619 556- 1049/1077, or http://www.dispositionservices.dla.mil
Marines that reside in Base Housing or BEQs can turn in personal electronics to the Air Station Recycling Center B-6310. Contact Recycling Program Manager (858) 307-6366 for assistance.