Duke University
OP-20: Electronic Waste Recycling Program

Duke University and Health System has a formalized program in place to recycle, refurbish and reuse all electronic waste generated by the university and health system. By strategically selecting a local electronics recycling firm, it is ensured that the electronic waste is recycled responsibly and is never resold and exported.

All university and health system-purchased electronics must flow through the Surplus Property Program at end-of-life. The items are collected daily and transported to various facilities for donation, wiping or recycling. Computers and data-containing items that do not pass Department of Defense wiping standards are transported via secure vehicle, to a local electronics recycler. The destruction of these items is then witnessed by university staff, resulting in a fine, gravel-like metal mixture that is then recycled by metal type. Electronics in good repair are donated to internal university and health system departments, as well as the local school system and hundreds of area non-profit groups. In FY13, 333,873lbs of e-waste were recycled from Duke institutional sources.

Students are encouraged to dispose of any unwanted electronics with Duke Recycles or the City of Durham. If you have access to a vehicle, Duke Recycles encourages all students to use the information provided for Durham City Residents to dispose of electronics. Annual E-waste Recycling Days often give students, faculty and staff an opportunity to dispose of personal electronics responsibly on campus well.