Electronic Waste Recycling in Texas

This guide is meant to answer your question -- "How do I recycle my e-waste in Texas?" -- as best we can, and highlight the need for further progress on this issue. After five years of pressuring industry and political leaders alike, we've made significant strides. There are several options for re-use or recycling available now, and due to recent state legislation, more on the way.

Re-use, Donation: Can't Someone Use It?

If your equipment still works, extending its useful life can be a good option. There are many donation options that channel equipment to people in need. However, many donated computers that aren't functional may be sent overseas for dirty scrap operations -- oftentimes we can't vouch for them doing responsible recycling in all cases.

 

Responsible Recycling Options

Responsible Recycling Uncertain

Goodwill has partnered with Dell to provide free computer recycling for residents in Austin, Waco and San Antonio. Simply drop equipment off at any Goodwill locations in these areas.
Although some Goodwill locations outside these areas will accept computers, we can't assure they are recycling responsibly.

  

TechSoup listings for hardware donors has refurbishers both in and out of the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Program, and also some end-of-life recyclers. The zipcode searchable listing of Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers is also available at:

http://www.techsoup.org/mar/marList.aspx

World Computer Exchange donates computers to people in developing countries to help bridge the digital divde. They test all equipment to make sure it is functional.

 

The National Cristina Foundation allows people to donate equipment online.

Current Recycling Options: What to do With Your Defunct E-waste

Computers

Many companies have started takeback and recycling programs. Unless you're purchasing a new computer, most of these programs do cost you, except for Dell. In June of 2007, Texas passed legislation that will require manufacturers to provide free recycling. The law only covers computers, and takes effect in September of 2008.

Manufacturer   Cost to consumer
Dell Free recycling for any Dell product, anytime. If purchasing new equipment, free for any brand. If not, $10 for up to 50 lbs of equipment.
Hewlett-Packard Rebate coupons are given to customers purchasing new equipment that cover the cost of recycling, and any brand is recycled. If not, recycling a computer + monitor costs around $50.
Apple Free recycling of any brand for costumers purchasing new or refurbished equipment. If not, $30 for up to 60 lbs of equipment.
Sony Free recycling for any Sony product, as of September 15, 2007.  There are still questions about whether its recycling partner, Waste Management’s Recycle America, will do responsible recycling.

Click here for a more detailed guide to the manufacturer recycling programs available
Click here for more information about new Texas legislation

Cell Phones

PRW will gladly take your cell phones, pagers and PDAs for responsible recycling. Proceeds from this project help fund our organizing efforts. Simply drop off or mail in equipment to our office.
Austin area: 611 S. Congress #200, Austin 78704
DFW area: 3303 Lee Parkway #402, Dallas 75219

This equipment can also be dropped off at any Fedex/Kinkos location for free recycling.

Televisions

Most TV makers aren't offering recycling options for their customers, except for Sony and Dell. There are recycling companies that will take your TV, for a fee. Caution is needed, however -- many companies that call themselves recyclers but haven't been thoroughly checked out are possibly sending the materials to very unsafe scrap operations in developing countries. For the details on this, see the Basel Action Network, the group that conducted two major investigations on this shocking practice.

There are some recyclers that have pledged to do the right thing by signing BAN's Pledge of True Stewardship. There are only four in Texas.

Intechra is in Carrollton (DFW area) and can be reached at 1-800-258-9112.
ECS Refining in Terrell (DFW area) can be contacted at 1-800-637-6161.
Scientific Recycling is in Temple (Austin area) and can be reached at 1-800-917-1969.
Corona Visions is in San Antonio can be reached at 210-521-7612.


Your Support is Crucial

Thanks for your interest in doing the right thing. We need your support to pressure TV manufacturers and the state environmental agency on this issue! If you are not already a supporter of Public Research Works, you can even donate on our website:

Donate now

If you have any further questions about e-waste recycling, don't hesitate to call or e-mail us. Our Austin contact number is 512-326-5655 and for the DFW area you can call 214-599-7840. By

e-mail, contact zac@publicresearchworks.org. Thanks again, and happy recycling.

Public Research Works