A Multi-Organization Campaign
Last modified: March 23, 2019


Discarded personal computers and consumer electronics – so-called “e-waste” – compose one of the fastest growing and highly toxic waste streams in the industrialized world. There will soon be an estimated 300 million to 600 million obsolete computers in the U.S., with fewer than 10% recycled. Containing lead, mercury, cadmium, and dioxin-like flame retardants, obsolete computers pose a serious threat to human health and the environment when improperly disposed or recycled. Taxpayers and local governments bear the cost and burden of managing these wastes. The Computer TakeBack Campaign was formed in response to this growing crisis, promoting brand owner and producer responsibility for e-waste. Read the Campaign’s Goal and our Take It Back! Platform.

Who we are
The Computer TakeBack Campaign is a decentralized coalition co-coordinated by GRRN and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition. Leading organizations in the Campaign include AsYou Sow Foundation, Californians Against Waste, Clean Production Network, Clean Water Action, Communication Workers of America, ecopledge.com, Institute for Local Self Reliance, Materials for the Future Foundation, Mercury Policy Project, and Texas Campaign for the Environment.

Wisconsin e-waste fact sheets: [all below are pdf's]
Bill Summary
| Q and A | E-waste: Asset or Liability | References and Resources | Bill filing press release | GRRN testimony

Wisconsin e-waste legislation
 

Dell Computer
GRRN and the Computer TakeBack Campaign targeted Dell Computer Corporation to lead its industry to a sustainable solution for e-waste. Dell is the leading seller of personal computers, with dominant market shares in important sectors like public agencies and educational institutions. Dell’s unique phone and internet sales model means the company knows every one of its customers by name, e-mail and mailing address, what equipment they own, and when they bought it – putting the company is a unique position to develop an effective national producer take back system.

Creating Student Pressure
GRRN and the Computer TakeBack Campaign are organizing students and campus activists to target Dell Computer and to influence the purchasing decisions made by their schools, requiring take back provisions in all computer procurement contracts.

Recent Releases

Resources


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