Computer Equipment Manufacturers Information

Requirements for computer equipment manufacturers can be found at: NCGS 130A-309.134 

Computer Equipment is any computer (ex. desktop, laptop, tablet, and gaming system) monitor or video display unit for a computer system, peripheral equipment (except keyboards and mice), and a printing device designed to produce hard paper copies from a computer. 

Computer Equipment Manufacturers selling televisions must also register as television manufacturers.

Computer Equipment Manufacturer Compliance Status

1.         Registration Requirement   

Computer Equipment Manufacturer ANNUAL Registration is done via the e-CycleRegistration System

Within 90 days of INITIAL registration, a computer equipment manufacturer shall pay an initial registration fee according to the following schedule:

Initial year

  • Level I:   $15,000
  • Level II:   $10,000
  • Level III:  $10,000

Subsequent years (due July 1)

  • Level I:   $15,000
  • Level II:   $7,500
  • Level III:  $2,500

Payments shall be submitted to:

NCDEQ Division of Waste Management - Solid Waste Section
Electronics Management Fund
1646 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1646
Attn: Perry Sugg

2.        Recycling Plan Requirement

Within 90 days of registration, all computer equipment manufacturers must submit a Computer Equipment Recycling Plan to provide a free and reasonably convenient recycling for consumers. Plans shall be submitted electronically to: john.patrone@deq.nc.gov 
 
Computer equipment manufacturers may submit joint plans but must still register and pay registration fees separately.  All plans must follow the order of the outlines below and must address each element in the outlines:
 
Level I Recycling Plan
A computer equipment manufacturer shall submit a recycling plan for reuse or recycling of computer equipment discarded by consumers in the state produced by the manufacturer.
  • Provide that the manufacturer will take responsibility for computer equipment that it manufactured and that is discarded by consumers.
  • Describe any direct take-back program to be implemented by the manufacturer. Collection methods that meet the requirements of this provision include one or more of the following:
    • A process offered by the computer equipment manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee for consumers to return discarded computer equipment by mail.
    • A physical collection site operated and maintained by the computer equipment manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee, which is available during normal business hours to receive discarded computer equipment from consumers.
    • A collection event hosted by the computer equipment manufacturer or the manufacturer's designee at which a consumer may return computer equipment.
  • Include a detailed description as to how the manufacturer will put the plan into place.
  • Provide for environmentally sound management practices to transport and recycle discarded computer equipment.
  • Include a consumer recycling education program on the laws governing the recycling and reuse of discarded computer equipment and on the methods available to consumers to comply with those requirements. The manufacturer shall operate a toll-free telephone number to answer questions from consumers about computer recycling options. 
Level II Recycling Plan
A Level II Recycling Plan must include all the elements of the Level I Recycling Plan and must include additional elements as provided below:
  • Provide that the manufacturer will take responsibility for computer equipment that was manufactured by other manufacturers, as well as computer equipment that it manufactured.
  • Provide that the manufacturer shall: (i) maintain physical collection sites available to consumers during normal business hours to receive discarded computer equipment from consumers in the 10 most populated municipalities in the State and (ii) host at least two collection events annually within the State.  The 10 most populated municipalities shall be obtained from the NC Office of State Budget and Management website.
  • Plans with multiple members must include a current and complete membership list.
A Level II Plan may offer additional options to collect other types of electronic equipment that do not constitute discarded computer equipment and may allow for assessment of a nominal fee for collection of these other types of electronic equipment.
 
Level III Recycling Plan
A Level III Recycling Plan must include all the elements of the Level I Recycling Plan and must include additional elements as provided below:
  • Provide that the manufacturer will take responsibility for computer equipment discarded by consumers that was manufactured by other manufacturers as well as computer equipment that it manufactured.
  • Provide that the manufacturer shall: (i) maintain physical collection sites available during normal business hours to receive discarded computer equipment from consumers in 50 of the State's counties, of which 10 of those counties shall be the most populated counties in the State; and (ii) host at least two collection events annually within the State.  The 10 most populated counties shall be obtained from the NC Office of State Budget and Management website.
  • Plans with multiple members must include a current and complete membership list.
A Level III Plan may offer additional options to collect other types of electronic equipment that do not constitute discarded computer equipment and may allow for assessment of a nominal fee for collection of these other types of electronic equipment.

Computer Equipment Recycling - General Information

3.   Product Labeling Requirement

A computer equipment manufacturer shall not sell or offer to sell computer equipment in this State unless a visible, permanent label clearly identifying the manufacturer of that equipment is affixed to the equipment.

4.   Annual Recycling Report Requirements

By October 1 annually, a computer equipment manufacturer shall submit a report stating the total weight of all computer equipment collected for recycling or reuse in the previous fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). The report shall also include a summary of actions taken to comply with the requirements of the Plan level chosen.  Computer equipment manufacturer reports shall be submitted electronically: Computer Equipment Manufacturer Annual Report form.
 

For additional information contact:

John Patrone

Ph. 919-280-4814