Recycling

Appliances frequently contain hazardous materials such as refrigerants, mercury-containing devices and PCB capacitors. Iowa requires that all discarded appliances be demanufactured by a permitted appliance demanufacturer prior to disposal. Demanufacturers remove the hazardous components and dispose of them in an environmentally sound manner prior to recycling the metal. There are many locations that collect discarded appliances for processing by a permitted demanufacturer. To locate a collection site near you, contact your local solid waste agency.

• Appliance Demanufacturing Permitting (ADP) Information
• Appliance Demanufacturing Operator Training
• Appliance Disposal Fact Sheet

DNR Contact
Susan Johnson
515-217-0872
Susan.Johnson@dnr.iowa.gov

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.

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.

E-Waste Resources

• Iowa E-Waste Characterization Study
• Electronics Recycling, A Guide for Businesses

Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) Collection & Recycling

DNR Contact
Susan Johnson
515-217-0872 
Susan.Johnson@dnr.iowa.gov

Iowa Code 455D.16 addresses mercury containing thermostats. The major provisions of the law are:

• Mercury thermostats may not be sold in Iowa.
• Mercury thermostats must be managed as hazardous or universal waste.
• A contractor who replaces a mercury-added thermostat in a residence shall deliver the mercury-added thermostat to an appropriate collection location for recycling.

To find a thermostat collection point near you or to become a collection point, please go to: http://www.thermostat-recycle.org/

DNR Contact
Theresa Stiner
515-721-7979 
Theresa.Stiner@dnr.iowa.gov

Auto manufacturers, as part of a national, voluntary, agreement, will provide collection containers and free recycling of recovered switches to vehicle recyclers until December 31, 2027.  This will continue to be done through the end-of-life vehicle solutions (ELVS) program. Mercury switches are required to be removed prior to delivery to a scrap recycling facility.

Send in your bucket! When your collection bucket is full, sent it in.

1. If needed, request a replacement bucket and shipping label by calling (800) 495-6059 or e-mail elvsbuckets@usecology. Provide your company name, shipping address and bucket size (small or large). 
2. Enclose the log of make and model numbers or VINs in the collection container.
3. Tie the plastic liner in a knot and tightly seal the container.
   EQ – A US Ecology Company (formerly EQ Industrial Services, Inc.)
   Attention: ELVS program
   6500 Georgia street
   Detroit, MI 48211
   (800) 495-6059
4. Give the sealed and labeled box to your UPS driver when at your facility.  If you do not have visits from a UPS driver, simply drop off your package at the nearest UPS drop off outlet (a list of outlets are available on the web at www.ups.com).
5. ELVS will properly manage the mercury switches.

For a list of vehicles containing mercury switches, videos on how to remove the switches and various other information, visit the ELVS website.

DNR contact
Theresa Stiner
515-721-7979
Theresa.Stiner@dnr.iowa.gov