To really grasp how powerful and unique this service is, you should have a good understanding of some important environmental and industry terms - definitions are available at the bottom of this page.

Maine Environmental Regulations do not make clear legal allowances for businesses who want to donate thier Surplus Technology.  These regulations state that businesses who have unwanted electronic devices (surplus technology or any electronic device that will not be reused by that company) MUST contract the services of a Maine DEP licensed recycler, transporter or consolidator.

The Information Technology Exchange (ITE), a Maine based non-profit and creator/purveyor of the statewide PCs for MAINE computer literacy project realized in 2006, that its ongoing effort to help low income Maine families gain access to personal computers, support and training was in jeopardy because this rash and un-evolved regulatory move by Maine's legislature basically made donating technology for reuse questionable if not illegal.

Through a connection made by a grant making foundation, ITEs' founder was introduced to SKILLS' Incs' (another non profit in Maine) Executive Director.  SKILLS' at the time was looking for new program ideas that would create and sustain job opportunities for people with disabilities, while ITE, who had become very good at refurbishing computers and teaching people how to use them, did not have the capacity to launch or operate a full-fledged 'Technology Recovery' operation.  Shortly after the two groups were introduced, a natural gravitation formed and with significant help from that foundation, began to work together, shelving all propriety to create what is now called 'eWaste Alternatives'.

eWaste Alternatives is currently Maine's only in state DEP licensed electronics demanufacturer.  It provides on site material collection services, documentation, single-stream processing, reuse and recycling services for its business clients (donors) to environmental, social and security standard unmatched by any other service in the Northeast US.

Donor/Clients enjoy tremendus savings because unlike conventional recycling services here in the US, this service reduces disposal costs by more than 40%, and the included documentation and highly efficient (and DEP compliant) management tools provided save these businesses labor on materials handling, documentation and data destruction.

From an environmental perspective - the only consistantly available and legal option for handling surplus electronics has been through destructive scrap recycling - the 3rd and least desireable option in the “3 R’s” rule (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) or responsible waste management.  Not only does this skip over steps 1 and 2, but it is the most expensive.  Recycling usually means a fee for each device to be recycled, collection and transportation fees, additional documentation fees (premium detailed listing of each item for DEP, Financial and HIPAA accountability) not to mention very loose data destruction standards.

Reusables and how we use them to make a difference:

Devices recovered by this program are reused in ways that maximize their social value first, monetary value second.  Computers are completely reconditioned, rebuilt, reloaded with operating systems and licensing.  They are then made available through special channels at a low cost to those who need an alternative to the mainstream expensive low service quality big box store option.

Typical beneficiaries of EWA reusable technology:

• Public Community Libraries - use these computers to provide public Internet Access;
• The PCs for MAINE project (Low income families who need computers for school or to learn new job skills);
• NPO Support Services - Low cost computers, servers, networking, training and consulting that improves non-profit organizations' capacity, reduces their technology costs and increases community impact;
• Hands on Technical Training - in partnership with local high schools, tech centers and community colleges, learners volunteer and work-study with out staff to test and refurbish technology for use;
• PC MEDIX - an ongoing non-profit fundraiser that provides retail services to the general public.  Proceeds generated fund the PCs for MAINE project and reduce participation costs for low income families (click "PC MEDIX" tab above to learn more);
• Skills Inc Thrift Stores - operated by people served by Skills Inc, these stores make low cost technology available to the general public.  Proceeds fund thirft operations, EWAs workforce and development (visit www.skillsinc.net).

It is also important to note that although we are a non-profit 501(C)3 charitable organization, we operate with the same detail and work principles as any well run and organized for profit.  Unlike unloading surplus technology on a local school or community group, EWA is designed to handle ALL of your surplus electronic materials - the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Every business has surplus electronics and computers.  If your organization would like to automatically comply with Maine DEP regs, save money and time while helping your community - contact our office right away!

Click the "Get Started!" link in the left column! 

DEFINITIONS

E-Waste - Electronic Waste: Refers to unwanted or surplus electronic devices; Also referred to as 'Universal Hazardous Waste' by regulatory agencies.  Definitions vary from state to state but largely most electronic devices that are not new in original packaging, are unwanted, in storage (not in use) or considered obsolete or surplus are classified as Universal Electronic Hazardous Wastes and must be managed by state and federal guidelines.*

Generator - Referred to by State and Federal regulatory agencies as commercial entities who accumulate/generate E-Waste in any quantity(see above) are classified as Generators (in Maine specifically - Universal Electronic Waste Generators).  Generators can fall in one of two categories - Large Volume Generators (generators of more than 2000 lbs of surplus electronics per year*) and Small Volume Generators (those who generate less than large generators).  Entities in the large category are required to register the facility where these materials are stored with the E.P.A. and must meet specific materials documentation, reporting and storage requirements.*

The "3 R's" Rule - best practices of solid waste management and environmental stewardship: Stands for "Reduce" consumption, "Reuse" until no longer useful and lastly "Recycle" what cannot be reused - each step to be considered in order to minimize or delay materials entering the waste stream.**

Reduce – First step of the “3 R’s” Rule - reduces consumption, which in turn minimizes the volume of what will eventually become waste.**

Reuse – Second step of the “3 R’s” Rule - reusing materials for as long as is practical.  With regard to electronics -this usually requires an investment of labor and parts for reconditioning and redistribution of goods.  Reuse extends the lifespan of these materials and greatly "Reduces" consumption of new manufactured goods.**

Recycling - Last step of the “3 R’s” Rule - and is supposed to be the last resort when an items' reuse in its original intended purpose is no longer an option.  Recycling processes destroy materials for scrap materials which are sold to processing facilities who in turn add new material to the reclaimed and then sell the material to new product manufacturers.  

Recycler – In the truest sense, this is an organization with facilities that accumulate and de-manufacture materials into their base materials to be sold to processors to use in new goods manufacturing.  Occasionally an out-of-state recycler, might have an in-state consolidation facility (see below).

Consolidator – Often thought of as recyclers (incorrectly), these organizations only collect and transport materials to Recyclers but do not actually process the materials. Data security and materials accountability are a consolidators largest weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Materials Accountability – One of the largest problems facing the industry, this term refers to the tracking of materials throughout their entire lifespan (from initial manufacture to scrap disposal).  Absolute materials accountability requires “Closed Loop” record keeping and documentation of individual materials from beginning to end.  Requirements for materials accountability vary from state to state as each is allowed to set its own environmental standards.  Many recyclers establish themselves in states with the lowest environmental standards to avoid high environmental standards & licensing requirements.***

*These terms and standards vary from state to state. EWA in its effort to educate makes Maine's D.E.P. Universal Hazardous Waste Handbook available for $3.70 S/H.  This and other state regulatory agency information and helpful resources are available in the FAQs & Links area of this website.

**The "Three R's" rule according to the US E.P.A - visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/reduce.htm

***Materials Accountability and what happens when there is no accountability according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) - visit http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d081166t.pdf