Electronics Recycling: Businesses, Retailers, and Manufacturers
The South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act, E-Cycle Logo Passed in 2010 that banned the disposal of specific electronics in solid waste landfills (Section 48-60-90); effective July 1, 2011. Given that, the legislation established requirements for landfill owners and operators in regard to keeping covered computer and television devices from being disposed of in the state's landfills. Revised on March 4, 2014, to add more specific…Electronics Recycling: Haulers and Landfills
The South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act, E-Cycle Passed in 2010 that banned the disposal of specific electronics in solid waste landfills (Section 48-60-90); effective July 1, 2011. Given that, the legislation established requirements for landfill owners and operators in regard to keeping covered computer and television devices from being disposed of in the state's landfills. Revised on March 4, 2014, to add more specific requirements…, Contact, : Email , e-register@des.sc.gov, or call , 1-800-768-7348, .Electronics Recycling: Local Governments
The South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act, E-Cycle Passed in 2010 that banned the disposal of specific electronics in solid waste landfills (Section 48-60-90); effective July 1, 2011. Given that, the legislation established requirements for landfill owners and operators in regards to keeping covered computer and television devices from being disposed of in the state's landfills. Revised on March 4, 2014 to add more specific requirements…, Requirements for local governments, The legislation (Section 48-60-140) requires that electronics collected through local government programs must be recovered in a manner that complies with all applicable federal, state and local requirements. Counties participating in programs offered by manufacturers pursuant to section 48-60-51 of the Act must submit an opt-in form by August 1, 2022 to participate in the 2023 program year and…, Recommendations on managing local government electronics collection sites, Most county and many municipal governments offer collection sites for unwanted electronics from residents. While the size and type vary, local governments must operate the sites in a manner that protects human health and the environment. South Carolina's electronics legislation does not address the operation of collection sites for local governments, but does require (Section 48-60-140) that…, Computer monitor and television manufacturer obligations, South Carolina's electronics recycling legislation was revised in 2022 to modify recycling obligations for television and computer monitor manufacturers to a “convenience standard”, updates definitions, updates requirements for recoverers and collectors of covered devices, and push the sunset date to December 31, 2029. Manufacturers are financially responsible for the packaging and shipment…, Contact, Email e-register@des.sc.gov or call 1-800-768-7348 .Electronics Recycling: Residents
E-Cycle Unwanted electronics are one of the nation's fastest growing waste streams. Often called, e-scrap, , electronics contain potentially hazardous material such as lead and mercury that can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not properly managed. Electronics also contain valuable material such as precious metals that can be recovered through responsible recycling. The recycling of electronics, beyond protecting the environment and conserving resources, also provides the raw…, The South Carolina Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Information Technology Equipment Collection and Recovery Act, Passed in 2010, banning the disposal of specific electronics in solid waste landfills (Section 48-60-90); effective July 1, 2011. This legislation established requirements for landfill owners and operators in regards to keeping covered computer and television devices from being disposed of in the state's landfills. Revised on March 4, 2014 to add more specific requirements and recovery…, E-Cycle for Residents, One key component of the legislation requires residents to recycle computers, computer monitors, printers, and televisions. Specifically, the legislation says that residents "may not knowingly place or discard" a computer, computer monitor, printer and television "in any waste stream that is to be disposed of in a solid waste landfill.", Where can residents recycle unwanted electronics?, Before donating or recycling unwanted electronics, delete all personal information. If the product works, consider donating it to a non-profit organization. Each of South Carolina's 46 counties as well as some municipalities provide collection programs and/or offer single-day collection events for unwanted electronics. To find out what is accepted in your community, visit RecycleHereSC . Many…, Recycling options for businesses, Businesses should not throw away computers and other electronics and must follow all state and federal regulations regarding the proper management of this material. Generally, businesses should recycle electronics or donate them, if possible., Contact, Email e-register@des.sc.gov or call 1-800-768-7348 .Disposing of Needles
Get the point banner Many residents have medical conditions that require self-injections at home. Because of issues regarding safety and the spread of disease, the disposal of home-generated needles, syringes and lancets (or "sharps") has caused some concern among families and trash collection services as well as landfill and recycling staff. Responding to this growing concern, DES developed the…, Be Safe With Needles, Step 1 Step 1: Put the sticker on an empty bleach or detergent bottle. Step 2 Step 2: Place used needles or lancets in the bottle. Step 3 Step 3: Put the cap on the bottle. Step 4 Step 4: When the bottle is 3/4 full, secure the cap and throw the bottle into the trash., VERY IMPORTANT: Always remember to place the warning sticker on bottles!, Download a copy of the sticker, (pdf) For FREE stickers, call 1-800-285-5257 or email infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov with your name, address, and number of stickers requested. For questions regarding the "Get the Point" program, please call, 803-898-0239, or visit, Frequently Asked Questions, ., Related Topics, Unwanted MedicineUnwanted Medications
Safe Disposal of Unused Medicine, Keeping medications that are no longer useful is a bad idea. Consumers and caregivers should remove expired, unwanted, or unused medicine from their homes as quickly as possible and properly dispose of it to help reduce the chance that others may accidentally take or intentionally misuse the medicine. Take-back programs provide collection sites to safely dispose of unwanted medicine. It is…, Disposing of Unused Medicine in Your Household Trash, If a take-back or mail-back program is not available to you, most other unused or expired medicines can be disposed of in your household trash. Here are the recommended steps to follow: Remove your unwanted medicines from their original containers. Mix the medicine (do not crush tablets or capsules) with an undesirable substance such as cat litter, dirt, flour or used coffee grounds. Place the…, Don't Flush or Pour Down the Drain, Keeping prescription and over-the-counter medicine out of the environment is important. After being flushed or poured down a drain many medicines pass through sewer and septic systems. Because these systems cannot always treat or remove the medicines, they may end up in streams, lakes and groundwater. This can cause adverse effects in fish and other aquatic wildlife as well as unintentional human…, Disposing of Needles, Syringes, and Other "Sharps", Many people have medical conditions that require injections at home. These needles, syringes, and lancets (or "sharps") must be disposed of properly. This will ensure that other people, especially sanitation workers, will not be "stuck" or cut. Learn more .Household Medicine/Pharmaceutical Disposal
Households and the General Public:, Many state and local law enforcement agencies, communities, and organizations have established take-back events, mail-back, and other collection programs to collect old, expired, or simply unwanted prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals from households. Medicine take-back programs for disposal are a good way to remove expired, unwanted, or unused medicines from the home and reduce the…, Incineration Facilities - Regulations, Laws, and Recommendations from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA's recommendation that household pharmaceuticals collected by these programs be incinerated. EPA's preference is that they be sent to a permitted hazardous waste combustor, but when that is not feasible, at a minimum they should be sent to a large or small municipal waste combustor. This guidance only applies to the collection and management of household pharmaceuticals and does not apply to…, Contact Information, List of Participating Pharmacies - Consumers also may be able to use a new nationwide program - Dispose My Meds - offered by independent pharmacies. County Sheriff and Police Departments - Check with your sheriff's department to see if a program is available or if a single-day collection event is scheduled. Unwanted Medications Frequent Questions for Pharmaceutical Collection Events/Programs (EPA…Green Purchasing and State Contracts
Environmentally Preferred (Green) Purchasing for State Agencies, Green Purchasing is the procurement of products and services that have a reduced effect on human health and the environment over their life cycle when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. Buying products made from recovered material supports recycling markets by ensuring that the material collected in recycling programs is used again in the manufacture of new…Battery Identification
Batteries are broadly classified into primary and secondary categories. Primary batteries are for one-time use whereas secondary batteries are rechargeable. Both types of batteries are further classified depending on the chemicals they contain. The result – sometimes confusing – is that batteries come in various chemistries, types, and sizes to fit different uses. Different battery types have…, Each of the batteries listed below can be recycled., For more information on how and where, Be Battery Smart - Recycle Right and Safely click here ., Battery Type, Uses, Sizes, FYI, Alkaline and Carbon-Zinc, Single-use Used in alarm clocks, calculators, flashlights, remote controls, radios, and children's toys Include 9-volt, AA, AAA, C, D, and some button cells, FYI:, What’s the difference? Different chemical systems. In general, alkaline batteries are more powerful and last longer in high drain devices. Carbon-Zinc batteries are better for low drain applications and are less expensive., Button and Coin, Button batteries - single-use; coin batteries - rechargeable Used in watches, calculators, keyless entry systems, hearing aids, laser pointers, glucometers, and LED accessories Tiny, shiny, round, silver-colored Button batteries - varying chemistries including silver oxide, alkaline, lithium, and zinc air; coin batteries - alkaline or lithium, FYI:, These small batteries can cause serious injuries if swallowed. Learn more Be Battery Smart - Button and Coin Battery Safety here ., Lithium (Li) Metal, Single-use Used in cameras, watches, remote controls, and handheld games Include AA, AAA, and 9-volt, FYI:, Lithium metal batteries are difficult to distinguish from common alkaline batteries but may have specialized shapes (e.g., button, coin). To identify, look for the word “lithium” on the battery., Lithium-Ion, , (Li-Ion), Rechargeable Used in cell phones, power tools, cameras, laptops, toys, e-cigarettes, appliances, tablets, and e-readers, FYI:, Storing a large amount of energy in a small space, li-ion batteries are more easily damaged and volatile than other batteries. If improperly charged, stored, disposed of, or damaged, li-ion batteries can catch fire or explode. Learn more Be Battery Smart - Lithium-Ion Batteries here ., Lithium Polymer (LiPo), Rechargeable Used in remote control devices (e.g., airplanes, cars, drones) where weight is a factor, Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Rechargeable Used in cordless power tools, remote control airplanes, cars and boats, photographic equipment, flashlights, and toys Include AAA, C, D, and several multi-cell sizes equivalent to 9-volt, Nickel Metal Hydride, , (Ni-MH), Rechargeable Used in cell phones, power tools, cameras, and two-way radios Include AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, and specialty sizes, Nickel-Zinc, , (Ni-Zn), Rechargeable Used in cameras, wireless keyboards, and other small electronics Include AA and C, Small Sealed Lead Acid (Pb), Rechargeable Used in mobility scooters, children’s toy cars, emergency lighting, and hospital equipment Most commonly 12-voltBe Safe at Home
Battery Recycle Character Image All batteries – both single-use and rechargeable – can be dangerous to your health and home if the manufacturer’s instructions are not followed. The recommendations below, however, focus on rechargeable batteries. Follow these steps to help reduce the risks associated with batteries. Additional safety information for lithium-ion batteries is available here as…, Installation, Purchase batteries and devices that have been certified by UL or another independent safety testing agency. Install properly. If you don't, the battery can overheat. Don’t let children install batteries. Don’t mix old batteries with new or rechargeable batteries with non-rechargeable., Use, Stop using a device if the battery shows signs of damage (e.g., unusual odor, change in color, leaking, hissing, cracking, popping sounds). Don’t let children take battery powered devices to bed. Burns and other injuries may occur if the battery leaks or overheats. Check children’s devices to ensure batteries are installed correctly., Storage, Keep batteries stored in a dry location at room temperature and away from heat, anything flammable, and direct sunlight. Keep batteries out of sight and reach of children. Remove and safely store batteries from devices that you won't use for a long time (e.g., seasonal decorations, old toys). Store expired batteries in a non-metal container until they can be recycled. Tape the terminals of…, Charging, Always use the charger the device came with or one recommended by the manufacturer. Always plug directly into a wall electrical outlet. Place the device or battery charger on a non-flammable surface during charging. Stay away from flammables (e.g., pillows, blankets, sheets, clothing, sofas, curtains). Charge your device at room temperature where you can see it, but not near the primary exit of a…, In case of fire, If a battery fire occurs, go outside, call 9-1-1, and stay outside. “Fire Safe SC: A Community Risk Reduction Program” provides additional information., End-of-life battery management, Remove rechargeable batteries before recycling or disposing of a device. Do not place batteries in your household trash or recycling container. Recycle properly. To learn how and where, visit RecycleHereSC .