Used computer equipment is a rapidly growing source of waste in
Texas and across the country. The EPA estimates
that in 2005, approximately 63 million computers became obsolete,
more than tripling the 20 million computers that became obsolete in
1998. While these computers contain valuable resources that can be
reused or recycled, historically, rates for reusing and recycling
used computer equipment have remained low.
Starting September 1, 2008, Texas consumers will be able to have
their used computer equipment collected and recycled for free.
Learn more about how this program affects you
For more detailed information, read the
Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 328, Subchapter I (TAC 328),
or
House Bill 2714 (80th Texas Legislature, 2007), which created the program.
If you have questions about the program, send an e-mail to recycle@tceq.state.tx.us
or call 512-239-3143.
Consumer Information
The law requires manufacturers offering to sell new computer
equipment in or into Texas to provide a program for collecting and
recycling of consumers' used computer equipment.
Manufacturers must provide a program by Sept. 1, 2008. Each manufacturer is
responsible only for its own brand(s) of computer equipment. The
collection and recycling must be convenient and free at the time of
recycling. The rules define computer equipment as:
- a monitor,
- a desktop computer or laptop, and
- an accompanying keyboard and mouse made by the same
manufacturer.
The manufacturers are required to offer collection and recycling
only for computer equipment purchased primarily for
personal or home-business use—regardless of when it
was sold; that is, not just computer equipment purchased after
Sept. 1, 2008.
By law, you will be responsible for any confidential
information left on the computer equipment.
See the TCEQ's
list of manufacturers that are participating in this
program.
If you are interested in recycling your computer equipment
before Sept. 1, 2008, check your manufacturer's Web site to see
what recycling options they currently offer. Or consider
other recycling options (PDF) (Help with PDF).
Manufacturer Information
There are several requirements manufacturers must follow, which
are listed in the
TAC 328.137. Starting Sept. 1, 2008, to sell new
computer equipment in or into Texas, you must be on the TCEQ's
list of computer-equipment manufacturers. To get on
the list, you must
submit a compliant notification and recovery plan (.DOC).
- If you submitted a notification and recovery plan after July 1,
2008; or if the notification and recovery plan you submitted do not
comply with the law, the TCEQ cannot ensure that your company will
be added to the list by September 1, 2008.
The TCEQ will still make a reasonable effort to get your company
on the list by September 1, 2008, if it was submitted after July 1,
2008. And if the TCEQ finds the notification and recovery plan you
submitted do not comply with the law, the TCEQ also will make a
reasonable effort to assist you in correcting and re-submitting the
necessary materials.
Download an example of an acceptable
Computer Recycling Notification and Recovery Plan (.DOC) (Help
downloading files.)
Please send your notification and recovery plan to this
address:
Dr. Richard Carmichael
MC-124
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, Texas 78711-3087
Recycler Information
Starting Sept. 1, 2008, you must follow the
Sound Environmental Management (TAC 328.149). requirements for any computer equipment
collected under this program.
Retailer Information
Starting Sept. 1, 2008, you will not be
permitted to sell or offer to sell, in or into the State
of Texas, any new computer equipment (as listed in the Consumer section above) from a manufacturer
unless the manufacturer appears on the TCEQ's
list as having submitted a recovery plan and notified the TCEQ
it has a compliant collection program.
