E-Tech Recycling

Some of the frequently asked questions we receive and links to where the answers can be found on our site: 

1.  What type of certification is available to document that the equipment was properly recycled?
2.  Does the firm have necessary state and local permits?
3.  How does the facility manage the used computer equipment and electronic equipment and waste?
4.  Has the company completed an environmental audit of these facilities?
5.  What is the firm’s program for dealing with cathode ray tubes?
6.  Can the firm track the materials that it processes?
7.  Does the firm have sufficient liability insurance coverage?
8.  Does the firm have a Hazard Communication Plan, Worker Safety Training Program, and Right to Know Training Program?
9.  Do I need to get a new TV for the digital change over?

1.  What type of certification is available to document that the equipment was properly recycled?

Certificate of:

· Disposal

· Recycling

· Erasure

· Destruction

· Transfer of Asset Ownership

2.  Does the firm have necessary state and local permits?

Yes, please see about us for Compliance, Certifications, & Memberships & Associations.

3.  How does the facility manage the used computer equipment and electronic equipment and waste?

Data Security

Any change to the possession of assets introduces an element of risk. Even an apparently simple change of possession can have an unexpected effect. E-Tech’s Risk Management Process eliminates all risk. All of our employees are screened and receive a background check. We only transport assets with our own fleet or with a trusted company and always in locked containers or vehicles. All of our facilities are under 24 hour video surveillance. The most important of your assets is your Intellectual Property (IP) stored on a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). Read more on about our process for your HDD once it reaches our facility.

Hard Disk Drive

Come off the transportation vehicle and are stored in a locked room until the Data Wipe process is complete. We only use state of the art software that meets the guidelines set forth in DOD 5220.22-M. We can also have your HDD completely destroyed by shredding it. We can erase or destroy your HDD and certify complete erasure or destruction of IP assets.

Desktop Computers

Computers are currently judged for resale or recycling based on MHz in the CPU. Those computers that are not meeting the market’s minimum demand are “recycled” meaning demanufactured for “parts” (i.e. boards, cards, RAM, ROM, Power Supply, cables, etc.). Computers that meet the market minimum and have a “resale value” are reused, redeployed, and remarketed.

Cell Phones and their Batteries

All cell phones and their batteries are separated and stored in Gaylord boxes and shipped as mixed lots based on current markets. All Gaylord boxes prior to shipping are stored in accordance with OSHA and EPA standards of universal and non-hazardous waste.

Printers

Any printer visibly “broken” having a cracked exterior or no longer assembled as one unit based on it’s original manufacture are demanufactured into plastic, metal, board and wire groups. All Printer residuals (paper, ink, toner, etc.) are separated out and sent to an approved downstream end-of-life processor. Any toner cartridge that is deemed “un-recyclable” by the downstream processor is sent for incineration based our “No Landfill Policy”.

4.  Has the company completed an environmental audit of these facilities?

We recently completed an OSHA Consultation to make sure that we were still up to date. At that time we also requested an Industrial Hygenist coming in for an environmental audit. Since the safety of our staff is a primary concern we are not expecting to find any issues.

5.  What is the firm’s program for dealing with cathode ray tubes?

CRT Monitors and Televisions

Any monitor or TV that is found to be non-working but has good glass is sent on as a “Useable” device for “re-use”.

Any monitor or TV found to be working but has some defect such as “Screen Burn” is consider “unusable” and will be demanufactured down to plastic, metal, boards, wires, and tube. All plastic, metal, boards, and wires are sent downstream to the end-of-life processor for their raw materials, where they are reborn as a commodity. The CRT tube is sent to glass-to-glass recycling.

6.  Can the firm track the materials that it processes?

Yes - we currently track weights and individual requests for serial number tracking for everything down to just the HDD’s.

7.  Does the firm have sufficient liability insurance coverage?

Yes we carry 2 Million dollars in coverage each of the following liability insurances:

General Liability
Environmental Impairment Liability
Contractors Pollution Liability
Professional Liability (which includes Errors & Omissions)

…and 1 Million dollars in coverage in the following liability insurance:

Automobile Liability
 

8.  Does the firm have a Hazard Communication Plan, Worker Safety Training Program, and Right to Know Training Program?

Yes, and as often as possible we take advantage of the various classes offered through OSHA and DEQ to ensure that our Safety Committe and employees are up to date with the most current information and safety procedures available.

9.  Do I need to get a new TV for the digital change over?

Don’t Toss That TV! What to Do With Your Old TV Set

Background

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Electronics (E-Waste) Recycling Program wants to remind Oregonians that the upcoming, federally mandated switch to digital-only broadcasting in February 2009 does not mean people will have to discard their existing television set. This Q & A sheet answers some of the main questions you may have about the digital switch and how you can help keep old or discarded TV sets out of the waste stream.

What is the switch to digital TV?

Congress passed legislation in 2005 requiring all U.S. television stations to switch from analog to digital-only broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009. The switch will free up airwaves for public safety communications (i.e., police, fire and emergency rescue) and wireless services. Additionally, digital broadcasting will provide better picture quality and sound. Digital TV also allows stations to “multicast” – broadcast multiple channels using the same bandwidth – resulting in more programming options.

Why is DEQ concerned about the switch?

Oregonians have questions about whether or not their TVs will work after the switch. Many may be contemplating discarding TVs when they really don’t have to. As Oregon’s solid waste management authority, DEQ wants residents to make environmentally sound decisions based on their needs, and to understand the options they have in dealing with the digital switch.

What’s the best thing to do environmentally?

Keeping your existing TV is the best option, both environmentally and financially. You do not need to purchase a new TV to receive programming after the switch. You may, however, need to take some simple steps to ensure continued service. What you need to do depends on the source of your programming (free broadcasting, cable, or satellite service) and the type of TV you have (digital or analog).
A simple, one-time purchase of a converter box (for analog TVs using an antenna) or a cable or satellite subscription (for analog or digital TVs) will allow you to receive digital broadcasts with your existing TV.

What should I do with my old TV?

If you do choose to purchase a new digital TV and your old TV is in working condition, you have several options:
•  Keep the old TV as a second TV for games, videos and DVDs
•  Give your old TV to a friend or donate it to a second-hand store
•  Recycle it

If your old TV is no longer working, bring it to a recycler. TVs and other consumer electronics contain materials that can be reclaimed and used again. They also contain toxic components, which a responsible recycler can safely dispose of. To locate a recycler near you, see DEQ’s E-waste Web site at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/ewaste/resources.htm.

Starting Jan. 1, 2009, Oregonians will be able to recycle their old TVs (as well as desktop computers, portable computers and monitors) for free through the DEQ-administered Oregon Electronics Recycling Program. This program will provide convenient, free electronics recycling in every county, including at least one collection site in every city with a population of 10,000 or more. For more information on the program, see DEQ’s Web site at:  http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/electronics.htm.

How can I tell if my TV is digital or analog?

If your TV is more than a few years old, it’s likely an analog set. Check the owner’s manual, the manufacturer’s Web site, or the device itself for indication that it contains an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ASTC) tuner, also known as a “digital tuner.” Please note that being “digital-ready” is not the same thing as having a digital tuner.

I use an antenna to receive free broadcasting. What should I do?

If you have a digital TV, your TV will continue to work with an antenna after the switch. If you have an analog TV, the easier and most inexpensive option is to purchase a converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and, when used in conjunction with an antenna, allows your TV to receive digital broadcasting after the switch.

Until March 31, 2009, households can request up to two $40 coupons from the federal government toward the purchase of eligible converter boxes, which cost between $50 and $70. Converter boxes are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide.  To request coupons for digital converter boxes and view a list of participating retailers, visit the TV Converter Box Coupon Program’s Web site: http://www.dtv2009.gov.

I’m a cable or satellite subscriber. Do I need to do anything?

If you’re a cable or satellite subscriber, regardless of whether you have an analog or digital TV, ask your service provider if any action is needed. Some services may require a new cable box in order to receive digital broadcasts.

Please note that a cable box is not the same as a converter box. A cable box, if necessary, will be supplied by your service provider. Many cable companies have already informed their customers of the need to make this change and are actively providing the cable boxes. You do not need a converter box if you’re a cable or satellite subscriber.

Will my VCR or DVD player work with a converter box?

Yes. Your existing VCR, DVD player, TiVo and other analog equipment you use with your TV will work with a converter box. However, if you want to watch one station and record another at the same time, you’ll need an additional converter box for your recording device.

Where can I find more information?

Contact DEQ’s Electronics (E-Waste) Recycling Program at (503) 229-5830 if you have questions about TV recycling and disposal, or check DEQ’s Web site at:  http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/electronics.htm

For more information on the switch to digital television, visit the TV Converter Box Coupon Program’s Web site at http://www.dtv2009.gov.