E-Waste (electronics waste), also known as "brown goods," refers to electronic equipment that is no longer usable or wanted. It encompasses a broad and growing range of electronic devices, including computers, TVs, cellular phones and personal stereos, digital cameras, MP3 players, DVD players and electronic games (but not including household appliances).

Today, when an electronic item breaks, it is often perceived to be more cost-effective to discard it and replace it with a new, more modern item instead of having it repaired. With technology advancing at an increasing rate, this trend will only increase, and more and more E-Waste could potentially end up in landfills.

Resources

What to do with unwanted electronics

Environmental and Health Hazards

How E-Waste Recycling Works

Digital TV Transition

Rechargeable Battery and Cell Phone Recycling

Cathode Ray Tubes

• Collection Permit,*.Word
• Collection Permit Inspection Form,*.Word



• Recycling Permit,*.Word
• Recycling Permit Inspection Form,*.Word



• Annual Report Form,*.pdf



• Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 567-122,*.pdf

Publications and Reports

• Iowa E-Waste Characterization Study,*.pdf
• Legislative Strategy Report For Electronic Waste in Iowa,*.pdf

DNR Contact
Theresa Stiner
(515) 281-8646
Theresa.Stiner@dnr.iowa.gov

Susan Johnson
(515) 281-7982
Susan.Johnson@dnr.iowa.gov

E-Waste Facts

• Over 100 million computers, monitors and televisions become obsolete each year in the US.
• About 300 million other consumer electronics such as cell phones and DVD players become obsolete each year in the US.
• E-Waste accounts for 40 percent of the lead and 75 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills.
• Consumers have, on average, two or three obsolete computers in their garages, closets or storage spaces.
• Computers contain valuable metals including gold, silver, palladium, platinum, aluminum and copper.