Published: September 02, 2008 10:52 am      

TCEQ eases recycling for computer users

Carman Williams

cwilliams@weatherforddemocrat.com

For years, people have had to choose between paying a fee to recycle their old computers or polluting the landscape with “e-waste.” Now the Texas legislature is giving a third option.

As of Labor Day, the Texas Computer TakeBack Law requires computer manufacturers to provide free, convenient recycling drop-off points for the public.

Maverick Computer Services in Weatherford is the only local computer manufacturer, and co-owner David Benham said the company is ready to take in the public’s unwanted computers.

Consumers can bring Maverick-brand computers to his store during regular store hours for free recycling. Benham will still charge a fee for recycling equipment made by other brands.

Benham said the equipment will be taken from the manufacturer’s recycling center and “chewed up, chomped up, melted down and reused.”

“To the best of my knowledge, none of it ends up in a landfill at all,” he said.

Retailers and big box stores are not required by the law to offer free recycling, but Benham said they are responsible for making sure the merchandise they sell is made by a participating manufacturer.

“I’m a big fan of recycling. I’ve been doing it for years,” Benham said.

However, he believes the effects of the new law would be “absolutely negligible” in the amount of computers recycled, and predicted it would cause an increase in computer price.

“Any legislative thing that makes us do more is going to add to our overhead,” he explained. “Where’s that money going to come from?”

The enforcement of the law comes as a victory for environmental groups who have expressed concern about the toxic chemicals, carcinogens and metals present in computers.

Because it is legal for most households to throw e-waste in the trash, many hope the TakeBack Law will encourage recycling.

The no-charge recycling does not apply to most large businesses, schools or government agencies.

Recycled computers are often salvaged for parts, and it is the owner’s responsibility to wipe the hard drive clear before giving it up in order to protect personal information.

Information about participating manufacturers is available on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.