Federal & State Regulations

Many components of computer technology are considered hazardous waste under the Federal Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Electronic scrap which enters the waste stream must be managed as hazardous waste. In the event of disposal in a non-hazardous waste landfill, environmental remediation is governed by the stringent federal CERCLA, or Superfund laws. Under Superfund, an end users liability for improper disposal is "joint and several," and may continue beyond an items removal from the enterprise until its final disposition. Not only must the first owner comply with RCRA/Superfund, but so too must every subsequent owner in order to avoid legal jeopardy for all. Most electronics may be traced to the original purchaser by serial number records maintained by the manufacturers.

Until now, only electronics manufacturers have been under pressure from activists and regulators to reduce toxic content in their products and limit human exposure to toxins used in their manufacturing processes. That is changing.

A wave of e-waste regulations is beginning to roll across the U.S. A new California law assesses an upfront fee for every CRT purchased to cover recycling costs, bars the export of e-waste and requires a phase-out of the toxic substances cited in the EU directive. California and a few other states also have banned landfill disposal of some IT products, such as monitors. In all, more than 24 new bills are working their way through state legislatures, according to Gartner Inc., creating a patchwork of inconsistent rules that organizations must follow and the potential for stiff fines for those that don't.

I3, LLC follows all applicable state, federal and EPA regulations for the proper disposal of electronic scrap, and will issue customers a Waiver of Liability against legal exposure.