Computers & Televisions

"Take-back"- Some manufacturers of computers are offering take-back programs (reuse incentives). This means that a computer can be returned to the manufacturer or a designated company for recycling, or donated to a charity for credit. There might be fees for sending your computer back to the manufacturer, but government entities are negotiating to make this a more affordable and user friendly system.

Consolidation and recycling companies- Schools and businesses may have to call a company that charges a fee to take computers for recycling. Some companies are "Transporters/Consolidators". This means they will pick up your computers, take them for consolidation, and then transport the computers to another company that will do the actual recycling. Other companies are Recyclers, which means they break down the computers and recycle the useful parts.

Are there programs to help in Maine?

The state of Maine has many programs promoting recycling, the first step in recycling is to find programs and centers in your area. The Maine Waste Management & Recycling Program, has many different solutions to recycling. For example; $$ Help to Promote Recycling and Composting, Maine Recycles Campaign – Recycling Works!, and Compact Fluorescent Recycling Program.
$$ Help to Promote Recycling and Composting- starts with the SPO(Maine State Planning Office), it is offering a fall round of funding support for recycling promotion in Maine. Municipalities and regional programs that need help push residents to reduce waste by recycling and/or composting are encouraged to apply. Any community or program may apply for up to $500 to use towards a project that educates on these topics.
Maine Recycles Campaign – Recycling Works! - Thanks to a partnership of the Maine Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, the Maine State Planning Office, and the Maine Recycles Campaign, recycling “coasters and posters” are being seen in local restaurants and bars. It’s one more way to remind us that “Recycling works!” The coasters explain that “Every day we use things made from recycled materials.” And the coaster itself is an example, like its matching poster, it’s made from recycled paper and can be reused/recycled when no longer useful.
Compact Fluorescent Recycling Program- Efficiency Maine, a program through the Maine Public Utilities Commission, just launched a statewide CFL bulb recycling program. You can now bring your unbroken, used CFL bulbs to any participating stores for free recycling.
Note: CFL bulbs must be recycled and cannot be disposed of in the trash because they contain small amounts of mercury.