Local Governments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oregon E-Cycles?

Oregon E-Cycles is a statewide program, financed by manufacturers, that provides responsible recycling of computers, monitors and TVs. Anyone bringing seven or fewer items at one time may recycle their electronics at no charge at participating collection sites.

After January 1, 2010, the disposal of computers, monitors and TVs will be prohibited in Oregon.

• Learn more about Oregon E-Cycles.

What do local governments need to do?

Local governments do not have any requirements under Oregon E-Cycles. However, local governments can help promote the program to its residents.

• More information about what local governments can do.

How can an existing collector or recycler become a participant?

DEQ encourages the State Contractor Program and manufacturer programs to utilize existing infrastructure when establishing collection sites and recyclers. To be a collector or recycler for Oregon E-Cycles, an entity must have a contract or agreement with the State Contractor Program or an approved manufacturer program.

• More information on becoming a collector for Oregon E-Cycles.

Do I need to get or modify permits if I am a participating collector?

It depends on your current permit status. If you have questions about what solid and/or hazardous waste regulations apply to you, contact your DEQ regional office.

How can a franchised hauler provide premium services under Oregon E-Cycles?

The hauler or the government holding the franchise needs to have a contract or agreement with the State Contractor Program or a manufacturer program. The hauler would be allowed to charge for collection but not for the recycling portion of the collection service. If more than seven computers, monitors and TVs were collected from an entity at a time, the hauler would need to provide documentation the entity was a households, small business with 10 or fewer employees or a small 501 (c)(3) nonprofit with 10 or fewer employees.

Will the materials collected from my wasteshed under Oregon E-Cycles be counted in the Material Recovery Survey?

Yes. Electronics collected for recycling, whether from Oregon E-Cycles or other electronics recyclers, is listed in the Material Recovery Survey and counts toward wasteshed recovery rates.

What if someone has more than seven items to recycle at one time?

Household, small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, and small 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 10 or fewer employees may take more than seven computers, monitors and TVs to a participating collection site at one time. However, they may be asked to verify their status as one of these entities. These entities should call collection sites ahead of time to inquire about any needed documentation and to ensure they have the capacity to handle more items.

Collection sites may charge other entities for computers, monitors and TVs over the seven item limit.

What about entities that generate large volumes of electronics?

Entities that have large volumes of electronics to recycle should contract with a responsible recycler.

• In the Portland Metro Area, call the Metro Recycling Information Hotline at: 503-234-3000
• Or visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site:
  www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm

For a list of questions to consider when looking for a recycler, visit:

• Telecommunications Industry Association
  www.eiae.org/faqs.php
• Federal Electronics Challenge
  Checklist for the Selection of Electronic Recycling Services PDF

What about other electronics? Can they be recycled too?

Oregon E-Cycles only provides free recycling for computers, monitors and TVs. Oregon E-Cycles collection sites may also take other devices that are NOT covered under Oregon E-Cycles, but may charge a fee to recycle these items. Please ask the collection site about additional items and fees.

If the person’s local Oregon E-Cycles collection site does not accept other devices, there are many other businesses that recycle electronics. Some may charge a fee, depending on what items they want to recycle. If the person lives in the Portland Metro area, they can call Metro’s Recycling Information Hotline at 503-234-3000. Otherwise, they can contact their local solid waste offices office for recyclers in their area.

What if a resident has a concern or complaint about Oregon E-Cycles?

If there are concerns or complaints about a specific collection site or the program in general, please direct them to Oregon E-Cycles program staff.

• Oregon E-Cycles contact information.

What if the media contacts me about Oregon E-Cycles?

Consult the Local Governments Toolkit for information about how to handle media inquiries. Please direct any questions beyond the scope of the Local Governments Toolkit directly to Kathy Kiwala at DEQ at 503-229-6103 or toll free in Oregon at 1-800-452-4011, x6103.

• Local Governments Toolkit PDF