Improperly managed e-waste can become a liability
to the generator. There have been instances where
e-waste was collected for a fee and then abandoned,
requiring the generator or taxpayer to pay for the
cleanup. A generator should give as much thought to
the selection of a collector/recycler for e-waste as
they would give to any other hazardous waste
handler.
Be realistic. At this time there is a limited
recycle market for e-waste and legitimate recyclers
will charge a substantial fee to accept it. The
price a generator will pay will vary depending on
the transport distance and the type of e-waste being
collected. Be suspicious of bargains. A legitimate
collector who must cover their own costs, plus pay
the recycler will certainly cost more than a
collector who intends to collect and abandon the
waste.
Manage it correctly. A generator who complies with
the requirements of this fact sheet will be
considered to be in compliance with the state
hazardous waste rules.
Licensing – At this time the MPCA does not require
that collectors be licensed. Collectors located in
the seven metropolitan counties should contact their
county environmental department to determine whether
local regulations apply to their operation.
Accumulation – DO NOT accumulate waste without
having an outlet for it. Collectors that cannot
recycle or dispose of collected waste can be
prosecuted for hazardous waste violations. E-waste
collectors must, within 10 days, transfer e-waste to
a recycling facility, a disposal facility or to
another transporter. Collectors must be able to
document the source and date of receipt of all
e-waste in their possession.
Disposal – The collector is responsible for
delivering e-waste to a recycler or hazardous waste
disposal facility. E-waste must not be disposed as
solid waste, either at landfills, incinerators or
out-of-state solid waste facilities. E-waste from
household sources becomes a regulated waste at the
point it is collected and must be recycled or
properly disposed of in the same way as e-waste from
business sources.
Record keeping – Collectors must complete a
shipping paper or bill of lading for each shipment
of e-waste and give a copy to the generator. The
shipping paper must identify the quantity and type
of e-waste collected and its origin and destination.
The collector must retain the shipping paper for
three years.
Transportation – United States Department of
Transportation (USDOT) hazardous materials
requirements do not apply to the transportation of
intact electronics or CRTs in Minnesota. USDOT
hazardous materials regulations may apply to crushed
CRTs, shredded circuit boards or other hazardous
components of dismantled electronics. Contact MnDOT
for further information on what regulations may
apply.
