This document provides step-by-step guidance on packaging equipment prior to transfer for recycling. It includes instructions for electronic peripherals, central processing units (CPUs, e.g., "computers"), and monitors, and lists specific packaging materials that can be used to prevent breakage and contamination.

To avoid contamination and release of hazardous constituents, it is important to package and store electronic material properly. It is also important to note that different recycling vendors may have different packaging requirements; be sure to check with your service provider prior to packaging material. Packaging can also reduce the cost of managing used electronic products by making the transportation of bulky items more efficient, and more efficiently loading large volumes of small products. Properly packaging electronic equipment will:

• Reduce breakage of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and other products;
• Maximize use of transport space;
• Simplify handling and prevent injuries; and
• Make it easier and faster to process material once it arrived at the processing site

If equipment is being packaged for disposal rather than recycling please see "Additional Information for Electronics Disposal" at the end of this document.

The most economical way to ship CPUs is to place them on pallets, bound by shrink-wrap. When using pallets make sure items are seated securely on the pallet and shrink-wrapped tightly from bottom up. Whenever possible try not to mix different size CPUs on the same layer, although it is acceptable to mix different size layers on a pallet.

Materials needed: Pallets, cardboard inserts, corner stiffeners, shrink-wrap, and labels.

1. Position the CPUs flat on the pallet with a cardboard insert between the pallet and the CPUs. Each layer of CPUs should have a cardboard insert positioned between it and the next layer.

2. Depending on the CPU size, you should be able to get 12 to 18 CPUs per layer.

3. Do not remove the electrical cords from the CPUs.

4. All external peripherals (keyboards, mice, etc.) should be packaged separately in boxes (see "General Packaging Instructions for Electronics Peripherals" below).

5. To increase vertical stability, cardboard or plastic corner stiffeners should also be used. These stiffeners should extend 8 to 10 inches above the top layer of CPUs.

6. Once three or four layers of CPUs have been positioned on the pallet, position corner stiffeners and shrink-wrap tightly, starting at the bottom of the pallet. As additional layers are positioned, shrink-wrap the CPUs tightly.

Labeling the load:

1. Once the box is full, label the box with the following information:

• Organization name
• Weight

Monitors are very important items to consider when planning shipments. When you have a large amount of monitors, they can be placed on pallets with a sheet of cardboard between each layer and then shrink-wrapped tightly from the bottom up. In this way you can get 4 or 5 layers, with 9 or 12 units per layer, on each pallet. If you just have a small amount of monitors, they can be put in Gaylord boxes (durable cardboard boxes that measure twenty-seven cubic feet, or one cubic yard) with packaging materials like bubble wrap, foam peanuts, etc., around them to cushion them. Mark which side is up clearly on the outside of the box and tape it securely shut.

Materials needed: Pallets, cardboard inserts, corner stiffeners, shrink-wrap, Gaylord boxes, packaging materials, packing tape, and labels.

Loading the Pallet:

1. Position the monitors face down on the pallet with a cardboard insert between the pallet and monitors. Each layer of monitors should have a cardboard insert positioned between it and the next layer.

2. Depending on the monitor size, you should be able to get 9 to 12 monitors per layer.

3. Do not remove the electrical cords from the monitors.

4. Do not ship monitors with broken glass on pallets.

5. To increase vertical stability, cardboard or plastic corner stiffeners should also be used. These stiffeners should extend 8 to 10 inches above the top layer.

6. Once two layers have been positioned on the pallet, position the corner stiffeners and shrink-wrap tightly staring at the bottom of the pallet. As additional layers are positioned, shrink-wrap the monitors tightly.

7. To ensure the safe transport of the loaded pallet the monitors/televisions must be secured tightly on the pallet. Whenever possible try not to mix different size monitors or televisions on the same layer, however, it is acceptable to mix different size layers on the pallet.

1. Once the pallet (or box/container) is full, label it with the following information:

• Organization name
• Weight

Electronic peripherals are best managed by placing them in Gaylord boxes. Gaylord boxes can be used for lighter items such as keyboards, mice, cables, wire, etc. Make sure that the boxes you are using are sturdy enough to carry and protect the equipment. This is often aided by the use of packing materials such as bubble wrap, foam peanuts, corrugated inserts, etc.

Materials needed: Gaylord boxes, packaging materials, labels, and packing tape.

Loading Gaylord boxes:

1. Many recycling service providers require that electronic peripherals be segregated when packaged for transport. The following is a general segregation practice for boxing peripherals, although please check with your vendor for their specific requirements:

• Combine keyboards, mice, and other low-end peripherals.
• Combine phones, PDA’s, external PC drives and other high-end peripherals.
• Combine all cables and loose wiring.

2. Do not overfill the Gaylord boxes (leave 4 to 6 inches airspace on top).

3. If the Gaylord boxes are not full, it is acceptable to combine peripherals. Your service provider may require that cardboard inserts be used to separate these materials within the box.

Labeling the Gaylord boxes:

1. Once the box is full, label the box with the following information:

• Organization name
• Weight

2. When the box is safely packed and clearly labeled, tape all seams with packing tape.