Computers, televisions, lab analyzers, EKG monitors and other types of electronic equipment used in hospitals every day contain many hazardous constituents - from lead in cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors to chlorinated plastics in cable wiring, brominated flame retardants in circuit boards and plastic enclosures, and mercury in LCD displays. The hazardous substances found in electronics have been linked to human health effects like cancer, birth defects, and hormone disruption.

Improper disposal of electronic equipment poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. When electronic products are incinerated or landfilled, they can release heavy metals and other hazardous substances that contaminate groundwater and pollute the air. There is also concern around the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries that are less equipped to handle the hazardous materials; in many cases this export is in violation of international law, as well as domestic laws in the importing countries.

In the U.S., hospitals face liability for non-compliance with federal and state hazardous waste laws governing electronics disposal.  In addition, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates end-of-life data security and privacy requirements for health care facilities.

By focusing on the way they purchase and discard electronic equipment, hospitals can improve their environmental and public health impact in many ways, including: 

• When purchasing electronics, applying a total cost of ownership approach that incorporates end-of-life disposal costs in the product and services costs.
• Negotiating contracts that require products and practices to meet specific environmental criteria.
• Establishing manufacturer takeback requirements for electronic equipment at the end-of-life.
• Extending the life of electronic equipment through upgrades and reuse.
• Recycling old electronics with a vendor who has signed the Electronic Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. 

Health Care Without Harm, in conjunction with the Electronics TakeBack Coalition, is collaborating with health care systems to promote healthier electronics purchase and disposal practices as a means to improve public health and protect the global environment.

Healthcare is moving increasingly toward electronic recordkeeping and the array of electronic devices used in clinical applications is inexorably expanding. As a large volume buyer, the health care industry has the power to transform the electronics market towards greener practices and products through its purchasing choices -- the tools are available to do so -- now it’s a matter of taking advantage of the opportunities presented.

See our resources page for a comprehensive list of reports, fact sheets, links and other helpful information about electronics. 

Key Resources

How to Buy Better Computers - Going Beyond EPEAT (pdf)

Purchasing Guidelines for Environmentally Preferable Computers: Beyond EPEAT (pdf)

Equipment End-of-Life Management Program Summary Form (pdf)

Packaging Takeback Program Summary Form (pdf)

Brominated Flame Retardants fact sheet (pdf)

What Health Care Purchasers Can Do To Reduce Flame Retardants (pdf)