It is difficult to complete the most basic tasks in our modern society without consumer electronics. Computers are ubiquitous, and we depend on them to establish our identity, file a tax return, or stay in touch with our loved ones. Even the word ‘computer’ sounds old-fashioned as devices have expanded in variety, function, and necessity to our daily lives.
Some aspects of the production of consumer electronics are subject to federal standards, such as the radiation and electromagnetic interference they produce. However, there are no industry-wide requirements for compatibility or potential for the device to be repaired in the United States. To boost sales, it is common practice to manufacture products using proprietary parts and methods. Our devices are also frequently designed to only last a short time. When something breaks, the only choice is to buy a new one.
In 2016, the United Nations declared internet access to be a basic human right, alongside freedom of opinion and expression. As our lives become more entwined with electronic devices every year, regulation is critical.
Several US states have passed laws to address this glaring issue. There is a similar bill before the Alaska Senate in this current legislative session. SB 111, or the “Digital Right to Repair” bill, would prohibit manufacturers from designing products that cannot be repaired. It would also require manufacturers to make documentation, tools, and parts available to consumers or third-party service providers.
While the Alaska Legislature has many important considerations during this session, SB 111 is simple and has the potential to effectively save Alaskans money and keep electronics out of our landfills. There are precedents in other states. Electronic waste is a very real threat to the land and water that we all love. Approximately 70% of toxins that leach from landfills come from electronic devices. Contact your representatives to remind them of the importance of regulating this growing sector of the economy.
While some opportunities to recycle disused electronics exist in population centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks, options are limited elsewhere in the state.
Here on the Kenai Peninsula, Cook Inletkeeper and other local groups organize electronics recycling events every spring. Since 2004, this initiative has collectively diverted more than 667,000 lbs. of e-waste from our local landfills.
Bring your disused devices to electronics recycling events on May 2nd in Homer and Soldotna. May 9th in Seward. There are also drop-off locations in Seldovia, Ninilchik, Port Graham, and Nanwalek in May.
After staff and volunteers palletize these electronics, they are trucked to Central Recycling Services in Anchorage for disassembly. From there, they are shipped to Metro Metals in Vancouver, WA, where every component is broken down, sorted, and sent to refineries for processing.
The component metals from our defunct electronics are then reclaimed as usable material and reintroduced to the market. Central Recycling Services and Metro Metals are R2-certified, meaning that every possible component of the items entering their facilities will be recycled.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their support, whose financial contributions and in-kind donations make this community-driven event possible. Special thanks to Weaver Brothers, TOTE Maritime, and Spenard Builders Supply for their continued support year after year. Thanks also to our event partners: ReGroup, Sustainable Seward, Ninilchik Health and Wellness Center, Seldovia Village Tribe, Port Graham Village Council, Nanwalek IRA, and the Kenai Peninsula Borough. We also thank our financial sponsors, including the Homer Foundation, Homer Real Estate, South Peninsula Hospital, Homer Veterinary Clinic, and River City Books.
For more information about events near you, visit inletkeeper.org/recycling or email aaron@inletkeeper.org.