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Kansas Laws Governing Electronics Disposal

As of November 2010, Kansas is among 27 U.S. states that do not have laws governing disposal or recycling of used, discarded electronic equipment, often referred to as E-waste, such as computers, televisions and cell phones.

  1. Recycling Efforts

    • Although Kansas does not have E-waste laws, it does promote recycling of old electronic equipment. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureau of Waste Management provides a listing on its E-waste website (see the link in Resources) of programs that recycle E-waste. The bureau also has established a grant program to establish more E-waste collection centers.

    E-Waste Hazards

    • The KDHE Bureau of Waste Management reports that E-waste constitutes the fastest growing portion of municipal solid waste. This poses an environmental threat because of toxic and hazardous materials contained in the discarded equipment. Hazardous materials, including mercury, lead, chromium, chemical flame retardants, cadmium and beryllium, can contaminate soil and water.

    E-Waste Recycling Benefits

    • The Bureau of Waste Management reports that the benefits of E-waste recycling include conservation of resources, protection of the environment, job creation and saving of landfill space.

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