HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8651INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
ex SUBJECT: ELECTRONIC WASTE DISPOSAL
!an
No. 8651
Date: 114105
Page 1 of 2
The disposal of electronic waste (primarily old computers and televisions) is a problem. As technology
develops exponentially and systems reach the end of their life cycle, methods must be found for the
disposition of this material. Worldwide, it is believed that there are more than 1 billion pieces of computer
hardware in existence, half of which are outdated or broken. We do not know how many broken or non-
working television sets are setting in homes across the United Stated. Fort Worth's contribution to the
electronic waste problem is also unknown.
Due to the presence of heavy metals (i.e. lead and mercury as well as other potentially hazardous materials)
the ultimate disposal of these systems is problematic. If handled incorrectly, these materials can enter the
environment and impact human health, water supply and quality of life.
In addition to environmental concerns, security of computer databases is also an important issue to
residents. Although data may be "erased" from hard disks and other storage media, remnants may still
remain. If disposed of improperly, the storage devices may fall into the wrong hands where information
could be extracted and identity theft could occur. As a result, most residents demand a disposal option that
secure.
The City of Fort Worth does not actively or routinely collect computers or televisions as part of its
residential collection program. For the past four years, the city has sponsored several special "Computer
Roundup Day" electronic waste, televisions and other small appliance collection events. Results of these
collections are presented in Figure 1.
Figure 1
Event
Tons
Collected
Participation
2001
32
50
2002
35
613
2002
15
21
2003
20
22
2004
38
77
Total
14
2321
Some commercial programs exist to aid residents with the
disposal of electronic waste. Most operate under the guise of
"buy a new unit and trade in the old one." While these programs
have met with some success, many people are apprehensive to
take full advantage of these programs; therefore, the older
equipment remains with the resident. Although results from
collections are tremendous, computer sales growth is exponential
and the need for a responsible disposal option is significant.
The city's special collection events, though successful, are not the
answer to this collection problem. The one -day collections are
inconvenient for residents (only one day per year), they create a safety hazard (traffic backed onto the
streets and handling and storage problems at the facility), and they do not provide for a long -term solution
to the collection problem. As part of the residential garbage program, the City is in the process of
establishing two permanent solid waste Drop -off Stations. When the permanent Drop -off Stations are
open in spring 2005, they will accept used electronic goods and appliances, providing the most efficient,
safest mechanism to collect and manage this material. Environmental Management is also evaluating the
possibility of using the Environmental Collection Center as a collection point, if safety and storage
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
IN'
NFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8651 I
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Date: 1/4105
T Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: ELECTRONIC WASTE DISPOSAL
concerns can be addressed. Until these three stations are operational, residents will be advised to continue
storing this equipment or consult telephone directories under "recycling- scrap" and "recycling - metal" for
commercial recycling outlets that will accept their waste.
For further information please don't hesitate to contact Brian Boerner, Director of Environmental
Management (817 - 392 -6647) or Libby Watson, Assistant City Manager (817 - 392 - 6183).
_1
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Charles R. Boswell
City Manager
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS