GSA is preparing to issue a final rule banning the disposal of old computers, copiers and other hardware in landfills, and requiring agencies to track and report how they get rid of electronic hardware, or e-waste.
The federal government is the largest consumer of electronics and a major producer of e-waste. GSA has issued guidance on landfill disposal in the past but it’s not about to become federal regulation.
Under the regulation, re-use within the federal government remains the preferred means of getting rid of items, otherwise they can be donated to schools, state and local government and eligible non-profits – or they can be sold.
If it’s useless, the junk must now be recycled by certified, third party e-waste recyclers, and GSA said it worked with other federal agencies to put forth a policy that will include a requirement for agencies to submit data for all disposed electronics.
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/03/06/2014-04585/federal-management-regulation-disposal-and-reporting-of-federal-electronic-assets-fea
