Retailers

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.

As of January 1, 2010, computers, monitors and TVs are banned from disposal in Oregon.

• Learn more about Oregon E-Cycles.

What items are covered?

Covered electronic devices include:

• Computers (desktops and laptops)
• Monitors (both CRT and flat panel with viewable areas greater than four inches diagonally)
• TVs (both CRT and flat panel with viewable areas greater than four inches diagonally)

CEDs do not include mice and keyboards; printers, copiers and scanners; cell phones; and all other types of electronics. DEQ reserves the right to review the scope of CEDs in the future.

Beginning January 2015, computer peripherals (keyboards and mice) and printers will be added to the program.

What do retailers need to do?

Retailers must provide customers who purchase new computers, monitors and TVs with printed information about Oregon E-Cycles at the point of sale, only sell brands that are listed as “pending” or “compliant” on DEQ’s manufacturer compliance list and only sell products that have been affixed with a brand label.

Sales of reused or refurbished products are exempt from these requirements.

• More information on retailer requirements.

Do these requirements apply to all sales methods?

Yes. These requirements apply to all sales methods, including in-store, catalog, phone and Internet.

What happens if I fail to comply with these requirements?

The law provides DEQ with the authority to enforce against retailers should they fail to comply.

What if I carry a product that is not on the manufacturer compliance list or is listed as “noncompliant?”

Only those brands listed as “pending” or “compliant” on the DEQ’s manufacturer compliance list are permitted to be sold in or into Oregon. If a brand is not on the compliance list or is listed as “noncompliant,” retailers are NOT permitted to sell those items. Retailers are encouraged to notify DEQ and contact the manufacturer directly to alert them that their products are not eligible for sale in or into Oregon until they become compliant.

What if a brand was listed as compliant when I ordered the stock for my store, but now is listed as noncompliant? Are those products grandfathered?

No. If that brand is listed as noncompliant on DEQ’s manufacturer compliance list, it may not be sold, even if that brand was compliant at the time you placed the order. Brands must be compliant at the time of sale, NOT at the time the order for the product was placed.

Do the sales restrictions apply to all products made under that brand name, or just computers, monitors and TVs?

Sales restrictions apply only to brands of computers, monitors and TVs and not to other electronics or products a manufacturer may make.

How do I meet the point-of-sale information requirement?

DEQ has created outreach materials that meet the customer point-of-sale requirement for retailers. Several options are available including flyers, brochures and stickers. DEQ will be auditing retailers to ensure that they are providing this information to customers at time of sale.

Retailers may also create their own point-of sale information.

• More information on point-of-sale materials.

I also manufacture computers, monitors or TVs. Are there additional requirements I need to meet?

Yes. Manufacturers of computers, monitors and TVs must annually submit a registration form, pay a registration fee, participate in a recycling program; pay a recycling fee (if applicable) and affix brand labels to their products.

• More information on manufacturer requirements.

What if a customer has a question or concern about Oregon E-Cycles?

If customers have questions or concerns about the program, please direct them to visit the www.oregonecycles.org Web site or call toll-free 1-888-532-9253.

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

Consult the Retailers Toolkit for information about how to handle media inquiries. Please direct any questions beyond the scope of the Retailers Toolkit directly to Oregon E-Cycles staff at 503-229-5830 or toll free in Oregon at 1-800-452-4011, x5830.

• Retailers Toolkit PDF