About the Texas Computer-Equipment Recycling Program

Used computer equipment is a rapidly growing source of waste in Texas and across the country. The EPA estimates that in 2005, approximately 63 million computers became obsolete, more than tripling the 20 million computers that became obsolete in 1998. While these computers contain valuable resources that can be reused or recycled, historically, rates for reusing and recycling used computer equipment have remained low.

Texas consumers are now able to have their used computer equipment collected and recycled for free. Learn more about how this program affects you

• Consumer Information
• Manufacturer Information
• TCEQ List of Manufacturers
• Recycler Information
• Retailer Information

For more detailed information, read the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 328 (TAC 328), Subchapter I, or House Bill 2714 (80th Texas Legislature, 2007), which created the program.

If you have questions about the program, send an e-mail to recycle@tceq.state.tx.us or call 512-239-3143.

Consumer Information

The law requires manufacturers offering to sell new computer equipment in or into Texas to provide a program for collecting and recycling of consumers' used computer equipment.

Since Sept. 1, 2008, manufacturers have had to provide a program. Each manufacturer is responsible only for its own brand(s) of computer equipment. The collection and recycling must be convenient and free at the time of recycling. The rules define computer equipment as:

• a monitor,
• a desktop computer or laptop, and
• an accompanying keyboard and mouse made by the same manufacturer.

The manufacturers are required to offer collection and recycling only for computer equipment purchased primarily for personal or home-business use—regardless of when it was sold; that is, not just computer equipment purchased after Sept. 1, 2008.

By law, you will be responsible for any confidential information left on the computer equipment.

See the TCEQ's list of manufacturers that are participating in this program.

If you are interested in recycling your computer equipment, check your manufacturer's Web site to see what recycling options they currently offer. Or consider other recycling options (PDF) (Help with PDF).

Manufacturer Information

There are several requirements manufacturers must follow, which are listed in the TAC 328.137. Since Sept. 1, 2008, to sell new computer equipment in or into Texas, you must be on the TCEQ's list of computer-equipment manufacturers. To get on the list, you must submit a compliant notification and recovery plan (.DOC).

If the TCEQ finds that the notification and recovery plan you submitted does not comply with the law, the TCEQ will make a reasonable effort to assist you in correcting and re-submitting the necessary materials.

Download an example of an acceptable Computer Recycling Notification and Recovery Plan (.DOC) (Help downloading files.)

Please send your notification and recovery plan to this address:

Dr. Richard Carmichael
MC-124
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 13087
Austin, Texas 78711-3087

Recycler Information

Since Sept. 1, 2008, you have been required to follow Sound Environmental Management (TAC 328.149) for any computer equipment collected under this program.

Retailer Information

Since Sept. 1, 2008, you are not permitted to sell or offer to sell, in or into the State of Texas, any new computer equipment (as listed in the Consumer section above) from a manufacturer unless the manufacturer appears on the TCEQ's list as having submitted a recovery plan and notified the TCEQ it has a compliant collection program.