Environmental and Health Issues and Recommendations
 Less Hazardous:
Products and packaging that have minimal or zero levels of hazardous or environmentally sensitive materials can minimize harmful impacts released during manufacturing, product use, and recycling.  Material Availability:
Products and packaging with higher levels of postconsumer recycled content or those made from renewable or bio-based materials can reduce overall environmental impacts.  Prevents Waste:
Equipment and packaging that are made with less material, are easily repairable and upgradeable, and designed to facilitate reuse and recycling, while improving or maintaining their performance, help prevent waste. In addition, take-back and reuse programs further prevent waste.  Conserves Energy:
Computer systems that meet ENERGY STARŪ requirements can save up to 80 percent of the energy that might otherwise be wasted when the machines are on, but not in use.  End-of-Life Management:
Many components of electronic equipment -including metals, plastic, and glass - can be reused or recycled, while others may present environmental hazards if not managed correctly. In California, recycling and keeping electronic waste out of landfills is required by law. The Department of General Services has a Master Services Agreement (MSA) that is designed to provide electronic waste recycling services. You can find local recyclers at eRecycle.org.  Responsible Manufacturers:
Consider a company's corporate environmental policy and how actively it is being implemented. Reducing environmental impacts during manufacturing is also important.
See the Introduction for complete descriptions of these environmental and health issues.
See also the Copier Paper and Laser Printers sections.
BACKGROUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
In California, State agencies purchase on an annual basis more than $90 million worth of personal computer (PC) goods, which includes $35 million in desktops and workstations, $16 million in notebooks, and $5 million in monitors. By practicing Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP), the State could realize great savings by purchasing products with improved environmental performance.
The nationally recognized Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rating system, established in 2005, has environmentally preferable criteria for desktop computers, laptops, and monitors. EPEAT has been adopted for use by state agencies in California. The EPEAT rating system includes 23 required and 28 optional performance criteria in eight categories of product performance. To qualify as an EPEAT bronze level product, a product must meet all 23 required criteria. Silver level products meet all required criteria and at least 14 additional criteria, while Gold products meet all required criteria and at least 21 additional criteria. Below is a brief summary.
Reduction/Elimination of Environmentally Sensitive Materials
Computer equipment contains materials that can pose a threat to the environment if not managed carefully at the end of their useful life. Raw material substitution or elimination is the replacement of existing raw materials with other materials that produce less waste, or a non-toxic waste.
EPEAT addresses environmentally sensitive materials through mandatory compliance with the European Restriction of Use of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS), and additional criteria addressing hexavalent chromium, cadmium, lead, mercury, flame retardants and plasticizers, batteries, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated plastics.
Materials Selection
When manufacturers create products with postconsumer recycled content it keeps materials collected in residential and commercial recycling programs in productive use. Another consideration is bio-based or renewable plant materials as substitutes for materials derived from fossil fuels. Using less material in a product is called dematerialization or source reduction; it is another method for saving resources.
EPEAT requires manufacturers to declare whether a product contains postconsumer recycled plastic and renewable/biobased plastic material greater than 5.0 percent by weight, measured as a percentage of total plastic (by weight) in the product. Additional points are awarded for exceeding minimum content levels. EPEAT also requires declaration of product weight.
Design for End-of-Life
Many components of computer equipment - including metals, plastic and glass - can be reused or recycled, provided they can be easily separated and their handling needs identified. Many manufacturers are developing recycling programs for their customers. Visit the California Integrated Waste Management Board's (CIWMB) Web site for a list of participating manufacturers. For more options to reuse or recycle electronics, please visit the CIWMB's Electronic Product Management Directory.
EPEAT addresses end-of-life issues with a set of criteria. Mandatory criteria cover the identification of materials with special handling needs, easy disassembly, no incompatible paints or coatings for plastic parts greater than 100 grams, and marking of plastic components greater than 100 grams. EPEAT requires circuit boards greater than 10 cm2 (measured on the largest face), batteries, and other components which contain hazardous material to be safely and easily identifiable and removable. EPEAT further requires 65 percent or greater of material and components by weight to be reusable and recyclable within the current infrastructure and using demonstrated technologies. Optional criteria exist, too.
Product Longevity or Life Cycle Extension
Computer equipment can last longer through a variety of simple methods. Warranties, service agreements, and upgrades can delay the replacement of a whole unit.
EPEAT requires products to be upgradeable with commonly available tools, and the availability of a product warranty or service contract of at least three years, so that certain components can be changed or extended. Additionally, making replacement parts available for at least five years after the end of production is another way of extending product longevity.
Energy Conservation
Computers and monitors can be significant energy consumers in offices. Computers that automatically "sleep" when not in use, save energy. This is a common feature on most modern computer systems. Further savings occur when there is a second stage of sleep that uses even less energy. Equipment can be turned off for maximum energy savings. Additionally, there is a program called "80 Plus" that seeks energy savings beyond ENERGY STARŪ by looking at efficiencies when the computer is in active mode.
EPEAT requires ENERGY STARŪ certification and all power features must be activated before shipping with initial preset default times. Optional points are awarded for qualification to any new tier or new version of ENERGY STARŪ.
End-of-Life Management
When manufacturers take back their products, it helps ensure that future products are designed to facilitate end-of-life management.
EPEAT requires that manufacturers must provide a take-back or recycling service that meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) "Plug-In to eCycling: Guidelines for Materials Management."
In California, find your local electronic equipment recycler at eRecycle.org.
See Laws and Guidelines.
Corporate Performance
Having an environmental policy and an Environmental Management System [1] is a crucial step in reducing and/or preventing environmental impacts. An environmental policy consistent with ISO 14001 standards will help companies make the right procurement choices for their business while being environmentally friendly. In following the "plan, do, check, and act" theme of ISO 14001, performance tracking and auditing are required to assess the implementation of those standards.
EPEAT requires a corporate environmental policy consistent with ISO 14001 and a self-certifying environmental management system for manufacturing facilities and corporate environmental reporting in the company's annual report.
Packaging
Similar to products, packaging that is source reduced, reused or made from postconsumer recycled and recyclable materials; and without toxic substances, can provide environmental benefits.
EPEAT requires that non-reusable packaging is separable (corrugated can be separated from foam) to facilitate sorting and recycling; EPEAT requires reduction/elimination of intentionally added toxics such as heavy metals and a declaration of recycled content. Options for additional points are given for meeting certain minimum levels of postconsumer content, take back and reuse, in addition to 90 percent of the packaging being recyclable and having plastic components labeled.
LAWS AND GUIDELINES
California
Statute
- Limits on Some Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) or Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE). In California on and after June 1, 2006, a person may not manufacture, process, or distribute in commerce a product, or a flame-retarded part of a product, containing more than one-tenth of one percent of pentaBDE or octaBDE, except for products containing small quantities of PBDEs that are produced or used for scientific research on the health or environmental effects of PBDEs. (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 108920-108923 as amended by AB 2587, Chan, Chapter 641, Statutes of 2004)
- Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (Senate Bill 20 and Senate Bill 50). Key elements of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act include:
- Reduction in hazardous substances used in certain electronic products sold in California.
- Collection of an electronic waste recycling fee at the point of sale of certain products.
- Distribution of recovery and recycling payments to qualified entities covering the cost of electronic waste collection and recycling.
- Directive to recommend environmentally preferred purchasing criteria for state agency purchases of certain electronic equipment.
See also End-of-Life Management.
- State Agency Waste Diversion
California law [Chapter 764, Statutes of 1999 (Strom-Martin, AB 75)] requires each State agency and large State facility to divert 50 percent of their solid waste stream from landfills or transformation facilities through source reduction, recycling, and composting activities. State agencies can receive source reduction credit for double-sided copying. This should affect the purchase of peripherals by encouraging state agencies to purchase copiers and printers that have automatic duplex capability, and to set up their computers to default to double-sided printing.
Regulations
See End-of-Life Management.
Policy
- EPEAT adopted. In response to the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 (Senate Bill 20 and Senate Bill 50), in June 2005, the CIWMB evaluated, then adopted, the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rating system as environmental purchasing criteria to be used by state agencies to identify electronic devices with reduced environmental impacts.
- Purchase ENERGY STARŪ Products. State of California Purchasing Authority Manual. Chapter 3, Topic 9 requires the purchase of products that meet the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) recommended standards, where available, and all products displaying the ENERGY STARŪ label meet the FEMP standards.
- Sustainable Copy Paper Policy (affects purchase of peripherals). Department of General Services (DGS), Administrative Order 06-04 requires that new copiers and printers purchased have automatic duplex capability and that computers are set up to default to two-sided printing.
Federal
Regulation
The Federal Acquisition Regulation has many clauses applicable to electronic purchases, including computer-related equipment.
Policy
Several Federal Executive Orders impact acquisition of computer-related products. In particular:
- Federal Executive Order 13101, Greening the Government Through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Federal Acquisition.
- Federal Executive Order 13123, Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management. It requires federal agencies to select ENERGY STARŪ compliant products, including computer equipment. State and local governments are encouraged to follow this direction for their computer equipment purchases.
- Federal Executive Order 13221, Energy Efficient Standby Power Devices. It requires purchase of products that use no more than one watt in their standby power consuming mode, and if such products are not available, then agencies must purchase products with the lowest standby power wattage.
- The Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) has an overview of the Federal Legislation and Executive Orders Relevant to the Federal Electronics Challenge, which covers many additional laws and executive orders.
Guidelines
The FEC also has drafted guidelines for computers, covering the acquisition process, specifications, and certification of environmental qualities.
PERFORMANCE
According to ENERGY STARŪ guidelines, monitors equipped with a sleep feature can save 60 to 80 percent of the energy that would otherwise be wasted, depending on use. The only difference in performance of computers and monitors with sleep features is the few seconds it takes to "wake up" the machine from sleep mode. This is a small compromise for the benefits of saving energy and significantly extending the life of the machines, especially monitors' screens.
AVAILABILITY
- EPEAT. The Green Electronics Council maintains a list of EPEAT certified products.
- ENERGY STARŪ. Hundreds of computers, monitors, and terminals have been certified as ENERGY STARŪ compliant. Visit the ENERGY STARŪ web site to view a complete, up-to-date list of qualifying models.
- Take-Back. A growing number of computer manufacturers and distributors are responding to the environmental and financial interests of their customers by offering to take back their equipment at the end of its service life. There are m
COST
ENERGY STARŪ. (EPEAT certified products are ENERGY STARŪ compliant)
ENERGY STARŪ compliant computer equipment saves money by cutting energy costs. ENERGY STARŪ compliant computer equipment typically costs no more to buy than comparable models without power-management features. The sleep feature also reduces stress and wear on the equipment, extending its life well beyond that of equipment without power management features.
To estimate potential energy cost savings for your workplace's computers, copiers, printers and other equipment, visit the ENERGY STARŪ Web site to use the ENERGY STARŪ Cost Calculator Tools (on product pages). These on-line tools calculate lifetime energy cost savings for specific products at various efficiency levels and hours of operation.
Take-Back
Take-back clauses may or may not save money overall. A vendor may seek to charge an up-front fee or incorporate the cost of disposal or recycling in the purchase cost of the equipment. Alternatively, there may be no difference in price, or even a credit if there is remaining market value in the item. This will vary case by case. However, consider the cost your organization will face for proper disposal and recycling - and the cost of staff time to arrange for it - if your contract does not include a take-back requirement.
SPECIFICATIONS
The Procurement Engineering Team of the Procurement Division of the Department of General Services develops and reviews specifications for statewide commodity standards and information technology. If you have questions regarding developing specifications, or would like a copy of one of their specifications, please contact the team.
EPEAT Certification
EPEAT criteria were established in 2005 by a broad group of industry, environmental, and other stakeholders. The criteria cover desktop computers, laptops and monitors, and cover certain performance criteria. For more information on EPEAT, see the Background and Environmental and Health Issues section.
It is anticipated that EPEAT will be operational by summer 2006.
EPEAT may be incorporated into specifications, either by incorporating the specific criteria, or by requiring the purchase of EPEAT certified products (once the EPEAT process has certified multiple products). See the EPEAT web site for sample language.
The USEPA Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services provides examples of language used in bid documents and contracts.
Below are some additional considerations:
General Environmental Language
Consider including an explanation of EPP and expectations. Here is sample language:
Environmental Criteria
It is the desire of the State to allow eligible authorized purchasers to procure products and services, which help to minimize the environmental impact resulting from the use and disposal of these products. Such products, referred to as "Environmentally Preferable Products" (EPPs), include, but are not limited to, those which contain recycled content, conserve energy or water, minimize waste or reduce the amount of toxic material used and disposed of. Bidder(s) responding to environmental criteria in this eRFP are encouraged to provide information on other environmental initiatives, which may be relevant to California's environmental objectives.
Computers and other electronics are a growing focus of environmentally preferable purchasing activities due to their high prominence in the waste stream, their numerous hazardous chemical constituents, and their significant energy use. The billions of dollars required to properly dispose of this electronic waste will almost entirely come from State and local agencies' budgets. Moreover, when these products are improperly disposed of they can release heavy metals and other hazardous substances that contaminate groundwater and pollute the air.
The primary environmental objective of this eRFP is to procure equipment, which uses less energy over time, thus decreasing pollution and energy costs and represents a reduced negative effect on human health and the environment.
The State has determined that there are a number of potential environmental and public health impacts related to the manufacture, assembly, use, and disposal of computer equipment (hereinafter referred to as computers). In keeping with the environmental and public health goals of California the State is interested in promoting bidder(s) and products, which either have or will address some or all of these concerns.
Points will be awarded to bidder(s) for meeting any or all of the environmental and health criteria listed below. (followed by a list of criteria) [2]
ENERGY STARŪ
Meeting ENERGY STARŪ performance criteria is required as part of the EPEAT certification. The ENERGY STARŪ program has published the ENERGY STARŪ Purchasing Tool Kit offering sample procurement language for ENERGY STARŪ compliant computers and monitors, specifications for ENERGY STARŪ compliant equipment, success stories, savings calculators and other informative resources. There are also lists of compliant products. The Tool Kit is available online or by calling ENERGY STARŪ toll-free at (888) STAR-YES (888-782-7937).
Here is sample language for requiring ENERGY STARŪ in bid documents:
It is mandatory that bidder(s) offer goods that meet the most recent set of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's and Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR guidelines and have the ENERGY STAR label or substitute affixed to any goods covered by such guidelines (http://www.energystar.gov/).
Installation, service and any other technical support performed under any Contract resulting from this eRFP must include the proper configuration of power management features according to the current ENERGY STAR specifications for that class of equipment at the time of installation, service or any other technical support.
Personnel providing services must:
- Ensure that power management features on all equipment remain installed and functional at all times;
- Carry out their services so as to maximize the energy efficiency of the installed product;
- Treat the malfunction of power management as functional failures of the equipment, and must diagnose and repair those problems rather than disable the power management features.
All ENERGY STAR power management features must be fully activated upon delivery. In addition, successful bidder(s) must provide the following detailed set-up specifications to authorized purchasers:
- Equipment shall be configured so it automatically enters a low-power mode after a period of inactivity;
- When a computer in a low-power mode is used again, it automatically returns to active mode;
- For computers that will be used in networked environments, provide CPU's and monitors that are set up to sleep on networks and respond to wake events;
- Provide integrated computer systems, where the CPU and monitor will together enter a low power mode of no more than 45 watts after a specified period of inactivity (except PC Servers);
- Provide training, assistance materials (if requested) and customer support on the power management features so that these features remain properly activated. [3]
Check activation of sleep function. It is important to check that the sleep function is fully activated. Vendors may not always deliver ENERGY STARŪ compliant equipment with the sleep function activated, thus requiring users to set the function themselves. Most system software packages allow the user to set the sleep function for the computer and the monitor, although some widely used Microsoft NT operating system products do not. For example, those using NT 4.0 Workstation, previous to ServicePack 5, need to activate the computer's sleep functions directly in the computer hardware's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The monitor's sleep functions will work if they are set on-screen with the monitor's own controls. If, however, they rely on the computer's BIOS, the sleep settings will have to be enabled in the BIOS before starting NT or Windows (or whichever operating system is installed). Other computers will merely require a change to be made via the operating system. Ask your office technical support staff if you need help making these adjustments.
Also ensure that screen savers will not prevent the machine from going into sleep mode. Although screen savers can extend the life of monitors, most do not save energy because of this conflict.
Take-back or Trade-in: In both leasing agreements and purchase contracts, use take-back and trade-in clauses. These clauses should specify that any units - or components resulting from unit disassembly - are to be processed to recover and recycle the heavy metals if the unit or components are determined to have no market value or are obsolete. This is particularly important with cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors, which contain a significant amount of lead.
There could also be a clause specifying that any batteries containing heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, lithium, or silver, are properly removed and either recycled or managed as a hazardous waste before the unit is disposed. Consider specifying that the vendor make every attempt to ensure recycling of the plastic, metal, and glass resulting from processing obsolete machines.
Contracts should require a certification of final disposition that documents what happens to the units, particularly the lead from the monitor's CRT and batteries. This is especially wise if your organization owned the equipment.
Here is text from a 2004 Minnesota Request for Proposal (RFP):
Responders must describe their Equipment Take Back/recycling program by addressing each of the following: date the program is or will be in operation, type of equipment, LAN hardware and/or Peripherals being taken back or proposed to be taken back, volume of Equipment being recycled/disposed or proposed, charges by type of Equipment, compliance with the European Union's WEEE Directive requiring the recycle or reuse of old Equipment and compliance with federal or other regulatory authorities regarding disposal of electronic equipment. Responders should Address ISO 14001 certification.
Here is text from a 2005 State of California RFP:
Bidder(s) should propose a program in which they agree to provide take back and management services for end of life electronic products. This can be accomplished through a contractual provision whereby the seller agrees to be responsible for taking back the products and providing for appropriate re-use or recycling when the authorized purchaser no longer needs the product.
It is desirable that bidder(s) also provide take back programs that comply with the following:
- Hazardous electronic waste will not be sent to landfills for disposal;
- Hazardous electronic waste will not be exported to developing countries;
- Recycling will be handled by a responsible recycling operation with an environmental management system in place;
- Any batteries containing heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, lithium, or silver, are properly removed and either recycled or managed as a hazardous waste before the unit is disposed;
- It is also desirable that bidder(s) propose methods that will allow for the return of used equipment to the original manufacturer or third party entity for reuse or recycling, preferably at no cost to authorized purchaser. Any unreasonable costs for this service will result in no points for this section, even if take back methods are submitted. Such take-back methods may include but are not limited to:
- One-for-one exchange of equipment offered by, or previously purchased from the Bidder(s), upon purchase of new equipment from said bidder(s)
- Collection of any used computer equipment by Contractor(s) or sub-Contractor(s) for reuse or recycling, preferably including provisions to continue recycling operations should a sub-Contractor(s) no longer be able to perform such activities
- Coupon system for pre-paid take-back at permanent collection centers, such as, but not limited to, Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, and Universities.
- If take back provisions are proposed, authorized purchasers must follow applicable laws, procedures and guidelines relating to disposing of equipment prior to invoking disposal procedures. [4]
Certification: The State of Minnesota includes text for specifically identifying the equipment that has been certified by an eco labeling program:
Responders must specifically identify each equipment or peripheral model number that has been certified and the type of certification obtained. In addition, Responders must list the model numbers of units being submitted for certification as well as a schedule for any remaining units. Finally, Responders must describe how certified units are labeled and identified as such on the web site. [5]
Reporting: It is important that the RFP requires that the contractor provide information about the environmentally preferable products purchased to know if goals are reached or to help identify problems. Here is sample language:
Contractor(s) must report on compliance with the environmental specifications as well as information on the proper EPP products purchased under the Contract Agreement. Such reports showing all EPP products purchased will be submitted semi-annually, by the last day of January and by the last day of July.
The EPP products usage report shall be broken down by item, and then broken down again by authorized purchaser and authorized purchaser billing code. The State's Contract Administrator or authorized purchaser (with the concurrence of the State's Contract Administrator) may request these reports at any time. [6]
Catalogs: Additionally, it is helpful if purchasers know the environmental benefits of products. This can be achieved if product catalogs include information about any recycled content or third party or governmental certifications. Additionally, it may be desirable to remove some products from the catalog. Here is sample language:
- The Catalog must identify those items having recycled content and the amount of such content (including a report of both post-consumer and secondary recycle content, where appropriate). Recycled content should be indicated using the recycled codes as outlined in Exhibit X, Recycle Codes.
- Energy Star designation and other environmental or health related designations as indicated by the State. Bidders are encouraged to include this information in the text that describes the product.
- The State reserves the right to flag or preclude the ordering of selected items from the California Catalog. [7]
Fact sheets. The Federal Electronic Challenge (FEC) has developed several resources, which provide suggestions for what to include in specifications. The FEC also has sample contract language to certify environmental products.
VENDORS
Statewide Contracts for Computers and Monitors
Statewide contracts for computers and monitors are available on the DGS Procurement Division's Web site. These contracts are mandatory except as provided for in the contract User Instructions. [8] For information on using one of these contracts, see the User Instructions, review the contract, or contact the DGS buyer named in the contract.
Local agencies may use State procurement contracts.
California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS)
Several brands of computers and monitors are available through the CMAS program. Local agencies may use CMAS contracts.
Electronic Waste Recycling Services
The DGS has a Master Services Agreement (MSA) that is designed to provide electronic waste recycling services. This MSA is designed to process certain types of electronic waste, including cathode ray tubes (CRT). To use this MSA, state agencies must first receive approval for discarding their electronic equipment and/or CRTs from the DGS's State Property Reuse Program (via the STD 152 form process). Any local government can use this MSA if this MSA is acceptable for their purchasing efforts. For additional information, visit the DGS's Electronic Waste Recycling Services Web site.
RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 341-6000
The CIWMB's mission is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment, in partnership with all Californians. Visit the CIWMB's Electronic Product Management Web site and the eRecycle.org site.
ENERGY STARŪ
Washington, DC
(888) STAR-YES (888-782-7937)
ENERGY STARŪ is a partnership program of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Department of Energy, and the private sector that secures voluntary participation of manufacturers to meet energy conservation standards for products and equipment. This program provides the "ENERGY STARŪ Purchasing Tool Kit: A Guide to Buying Energy Efficient Products," "ENERGY STARŪ Cost Calculator Tools," and listings of ENERGY STARŪ compliant products.
EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)
The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rating system, established in 2005, is nationally recognized environmentally preferable criteria for desktop computers, laptops, and monitors.
United States Department of Energy
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Washington, DC
(800) 363-3732
The FEMP was designed to reduce the cost and environmental impact of federal agencies by advancing energy efficiency and water conservation, promoting the use of distributed and renewable energy, and improving utility management decisions at federal sites. FEMP provides a variety of resources to help purchasers more readily identify energy compliant (ENERGY STARŪ) products and find ways to save money, energy and natural resources in the office. Consult the following FEMP resources online:
END-OF-LIFE MANAGEMENT
"Many types of electronic products used in the workplace and homes contain hazardous substances like lead and mercury. When these products reach the end of their useful lives or become obsolete, some are considered hazardous waste. In general, hazardous waste may not be discarded in the regular trash. Instead, it must be sent to a facility that has a permit for treatment (including recycling), storage, or disposal.
"Electronic hazardous wastes (e-wastes) are different from industrially generated hazardous wastes in that almost every individual, institution and business generates them. Proper management and recycling of e-waste poses lower risks than managing many industrial hazardous wastes." [9]
"California has established special rules, known as the Universal Waste Regulations, for handling and transporting certain widely-generated, relatively low risk hazardous wastes. Universal wastes include televisions, computer monitors, computers and other electronic wastes." [10]
Here are some resources for managing electronic waste:
[1] An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. For more information, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency's EMS Web site at http://www.epa.gov/ems/index.htm.
[2] State of California, Department of General Services, IT Hardware PC Goods eRFP # DGS 5007, 2005.
[3] State of California, Department of General Services, IT Hardware PC Goods eRFP # DGS 5007, 2005.
[4] State of California, Department of General Services, IT Hardware PC Goods eRFP # DGS 5007, 2005.
[5] State of Minnesota, Request for Proposals from Manufacturers of Personal Computer Equipment and Related Devices. Available from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Database of Environmental Information for Products and Services at http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf/Pages/DisplayAisle.html?Open&Computer%20Store&Computers&Type=1. May 8, 2006.
[6] State of California, Department of General Services, IT Hardware PC Goods eRFP # DGS 5007, 2005.
[7] State of California, Department of General Services, IT Hardware PC Goods eRFP # DGS 5007, 2005.
[8] California Department of General Services. California Strategic Sourcing Initiative, IT Hardware-PC Goods Contracts - Frequently Asked Questions. Available at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/pd/strategic/CSSIFAQlib/ITHardware-PCGoods/ITHardwarePCGOODsFAQSummary2005-07-01.pdf. Accessed on March 24, 2006.
[9] State of California. Department of Toxic Substances Control. Electronic Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Web page. Available at http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/index.cfm. Accessed on March 24, 2006.
[10] State of California. Department of Toxic Substances Control. Electronic Hazardous Waste (E-Waste) Web page. Available at http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/index.cfm. Accessed on March 24, 2006.
Special Note: Portions of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual were borrowed or adapted from the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota.
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