Carnegie Mellon University

Electronic Waste

Under the “Covered Device Recycling Act”, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires the proper disposal of computers and all computer peripherals. The purpose of this act is to divert electronic waste from landfills. To meet this end, EHS manages the CMU Electronic Waste Program, which involves the collection and disposal of electronic waste, to ensure the proper disposal of covered devices. The CMU Electronic Waste Program serves as an “End of Life” disposal in which equipment will not be refurbished or reused. This service is available to all Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff and students, and a list of equipment that may be submitted for disposal is provided below. 

Prior to submitting equipment for disposal, equipment owners are responsible for maintaining compliance with the Information Security Office Data Protection Guideline. Part of these responsibilities may include data sanitization of electronic media. In addition, prior to submitting an equipment disposal request, please contact your department's Property Accounting Officer or contact the Property Accounting Office at 412-268-2099.

Equipment submitted for disposal must be stored in a secure area. Items should never be placed in hallways, loading docks or other common areas. Electronic Waste will be picked up from the secure area(s) during collections.

*Please note that EHS will only accept CMU generated waste.

To schedule any special collection event or a large clean out, please contact EHS.

The following items will be accepted for disposal:

  • Monitors & Televisions
  • Keyboards, mice, and other electronic peripherals
  • External drives
  • Printers/Copiers/Fax Machines
  • Smart devices (tablets or phones)
  • Lab Equipment (containing drivers, screens)
  • Batteries (lithium, lead-acid, NiCAD)

The following items are NOT accepted for disposal:

  • General Appliances (microwaves, refrigerators, freezers and other small appliances)
  • Toner and Ink Cartridges
  • Lab Equipment not electronic in nature
  • Empty computer cases and empty server cabinets
  • CD’s and Tapes not containing data applicable to security guidelines
  • Monitor arms, stands or other accessories