Find an electronics recycler
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Colorado strongly encourages (but doesn’t require) the reuse, refurbishment or disassembly for materials recovery (collectively called “recycling”) of end-of-life computer equipment instead of disposal.
Disposal of most waste electronics from non-residential sources is regulated as hazardous waste
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Analytical data show waste electronics consistently exceed the regulatory limits for heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury.
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Colorado regulations prohibit non-residential entities from disposing of any hazardous waste in solid waste landfills in the state.
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This waste may be sent to a legitimate electronics recycler or must be disposed of at a permitted hazardous waste disposal facility.
Manufacturer recycling programs
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Several major manufacturers of computers and other electronics offer their business customers recycling and takeback alternatives for their products.
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Some equipment suppliers may act as agents for computer manufacturers' trade-in/upgrade programs.
Greening electronics purchases
Alternatives to managing an organization's electronic equipment start when purchasing new equipment
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Repair instead of replace.
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Buy durable, upgradable, eco-friendly equipment.
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Require dealer or manufacturer take-back up front.
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Lease equipment.
Information security
You are ultimately responsible for protecting information stored on the hard drive of your computers, printers and other devices
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Simply deleting files and reformatting the hard drive does not guarantee that all of your data will be destroyed.
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Use special disk wiping software designed to protect sensitive data.
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Remove your hard drive and destroy it.
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Hammer a nail through it in several places.
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Dismantle and deeply scratch or break the inner disk plates.
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Once you've secured your information, bring the drive and other electronic waste to a reputable recycler.
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Some recyclers may perform these tasks for an additional fee.
Guidance
Electronic waste fact sheet for regulated facilities and waste haulers
Management of electronics waste compliance bulletin