Short Series on E-Waste: Part II

Part I: What is E-Waste?
Part II: What does MSU do with its E-Waste?
Part III: How do I get rid of my E-Waste?

Part II:
What does MSU do with its E-Waste?

Computers are one of the fastest changing and lowest lifespan products that are commonly used. As a major research university with 57,000 students and staff, Michigan State University has tens of thousands of computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, and other electronic products throughout its campus. These items are frequently replaced and consequently are one of the main commodities the MSU Surplus Store receives. Due to this MSU Surplus Store picks up over 230,000 lbs of e-waste annually, so what is done with all these items?

MSU currently has a contract with an electronics recycling company which is responsible for the proper disposition of the E-Waste created by the University. The items are then disassembled and everything that is recyclable is processed. What is left is properly disposed of in the government mandated manner. Which means that these items are responsibly disposed of and are not sent to generic landfills or shipped to developing nations where they are commonly burned and then improperly disposed cause incredible harm to the environment.

Once a sufficient quantity of e-waste is collected at the MSU Surplus Store the items are shipped out for processing and recycling. Depending on what type of item is being sent to our E-Waste recycler, there are different processes each item must undergo.

1) Computers: All computers are stripped of any part that is still salvageable and the hard drives are removed. Next, all the hard drives are processed by a program which overwrites all data on the existing drive with 1s and 0s. This is done to insure that sensitive data is not still available on the hard drive. Any hard drive that is not functioning or hard drives that have extremely sensitive information on them (such as social security numbers, credit card information, ect) are shredded and destroyed.

2) CRT Monitors: While monitors do not require a great deal of processing, it is still important to treat them with caution. Monitors can hold a tremendous internal electrical charge, even after being unplugged. If the back portions of the unit are exposed, they can also present a hazard if not handled properly. The pressurized tube in the back of the unit can implode if not properly handled. Monitors which are missing their back cover are boxed for the safety of our staff, students, and customers. Intact monitors are stacked on pallets and shrinkwrapped for our recyclers to dispose of.

3) Printers: All ink or toner from the printers is removed and sold for re-use. The remaining waste of the printers are placed on pallets for pick up.

4) Smaller Items: Any non-working smaller electronics or computer items are placed in a large box for recycling. These items range from broken keyboards and mice to bad toasters and power supplies.

Over the past few decades, E-Waste has become a more and more pressing environmental issue. At MSU, we strive to lessen our impact on the environment in any way we can. One way we have found is through the use of recyclers who meet national standards for disposing of E-Waste. Check back later for the final part of this E-Waste series.