Collection Site Basics

Close Up Shot Of Boxes With Computer Parts Sorted For Recycling At Sustainable Electronics Factory. Motherboards And Microchips Are Collected And Prepared For Reuse in Technological Devices.

This page is designed specifically for existing or potential collection sites in the Oregon E-Cycles program, and it features key questions about collectors’ role in the program.

The following items are considered Covered Electronic Devices (CEDs) under the Oregon E-Cycles program and can be recycled, free of charge, at approved collection sites across the state:

  • Computers
    • desktops
    • laptops
    • tablets
    • e-readers
    • small-scale servers
  • Computer Monitors
  • Televisions
  • Printers
  • Fax Machines
  • Scanners
  • Portable Digital Music Player
  • Cable Receiver
  • Satellite Receiver
  • Router
  • Modem
  • Digital Converter Box
  • Video Game Console
  • VCRs
  • DVD players/recorders
  • Peripherals
    • Computer Keyboards
    • Computer Mice
    • Joysticks and Game Controllers
    • Docking Stations
    • Headphones & Earbuds
    • Standalone Computer Speakers
    • Headset
    • External drive
    • Digital or Media Streaming Device
    • Power Adapter Charger
    • Web Camera
    • Connecting Cables

 

The following items are not included in the Oregon E-Cycles program:

  • A device used to make reproductions that:
    • Is floor-standing;
    • Is a point of sale receipt printer;
    • Is also a calculator;
    • Can also make labels; or
    • Is embedded in something other than a covered electronic device.
  • Speakers intended for amplifiers or sound systems
  • Any part of a motor vehicle.
  • Any part of a larger piece of equipment designed and intended for use in an industrial, commercial, or medical setting, such as diagnostic, monitoring, or control equipment.
  • Telephones of any type.
  • Any part of a clothes washer, clothes dryer, refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven, conventional oven or range, dishwasher, room air conditioner, dehumidifier, or air purifier.

Yes, absolutely. Collection sites may choose to accept electronics beyond the scope of the CEDs listed above and may also charge the customer for recycling these items. Collectors must make their own arrangements with vendors for these materials; MRM will not be able to assist collectors for non-program materials.

The Oregon E-Cycles program is designed for residents and is not a business recycling program. Any Oregonian can take seven or fewer Covered Electronic Devices (CEDs) at a time to a participating Oregon E-Cycles collection sites for free recycling.

If a customer has more than 7 items, collection sites must ask the customer to demonstrate that the electronics are coming from a household or small business (meaning fewer than 10 employees).

Specifically, statute defines a covered entity (i.e. person who can use the Oregon E-Cycles program) as any Oregon household, a business that employs 10 or fewer individuals, a nonprofit organization that employs 10 or fewer individuals, or any person giving seven or fewer CEDs to a collector at any one time.

MRM has created a sortation guide to help collectors. Most collection sites sort into five categories, but MRM can be flexible on this; if this sorting system does not work for your site or if you have arranged with your processor to do a more detailed sort, please alert MRM’s Oregon PRO Manager, Ali Briggs-Ungerer.

Yes! Check out the Technical Guidance page to see what kind of informational resources MRM has prepared to support collection sites participating in the Oregon E-Cycles program. Check out the Outreach Materials page for signage, customizable flyers, sample social media content, and other outreach materials.

Although the Oregon E-Cycles program is focused on the recycling of electronics, reduce and reuse are at the top of the waste hierarchy and MRM supports this in its electronics PRO program. Please connect with MRM’s Oregon PRO Manager, Ali Briggs-Ungerer, if you are currently engaged in any reuse or refurb activities, or if you plan to do so in the future. Reused and/or refurbished CEDs are removed from the stream of CEDs bound for your processor. In order to be eligible to engage in these activities collectors must abide by these requirements:

  • Complete MRM’s survey on reuse.
  • Post, in a readily visible location, information that informs customers CEDs are screened for reuse or refurbishment.
  • Follow the generator’s preference if the customers indicate they do not want their CEDs reused or refurbished.
  • Triage and screen appropriately for reuse or refurbishment.
  • Track separately the number of screened units that are sent for reuse and refurbishment, and report the number of units being diverted for reuse to MRM on a quarterly basis
  • Ensure that CEDs designated for reuse and refurbishment are packaged in a manner that minimizes damage them during transportation.
  • Store whole products, components, and equipment destined for reuse or refurbishment in a manner that:
    • Protects them from adverse atmospheric conditions and floods;
    • Is secure from unauthorized entrance; and
    • Is in clearly labeled containers and/or storage areas.
  • Refrain from scavenging parts and components from non-reusable equipment.

Please fill out this contact form and we will set up a meeting to talk through the next steps.

Ali Briggs-Ungerer is MRM’s Oregon PRO Manager. You can reach her via this contact form.

MRM