County renews e-waste recycling services at hazardous waste facility for 2026

Mesa County Commissioners have approved a one-year contract extension with Onsite Electronics Recycling LLC, doing business as IT Refresh, to maintain electronic waste services at the county’s Hazardous Waste Collection Facility through 2026. The agreement, which is capped at $120,000, is designed to manage the more than 240,000 pounds of e-waste generated annually by local residents and businesses. This renewal ensures the county remains in compliance with Colorado’s 2013 landfill ban on electronics while mitigating the risk of soil and groundwater contamination from heavy metals.

During an administrative public hearing on Jan. 13, Mesa County Commissioners voted unanimously to extend their partnership with IT Refresh for the 2026 service year. The contract, valued at a maximum of $120,000, allows the Hazardous Waste Collection Facility to continue accepting a wide range of electronic devices that are legally prohibited from being sent to landfills under Colorado state law. County staff noted that the facility processes upwards of 240,000 pounds of electronic waste each year, making the availability of a certified and reliable recycling partner a critical component of the region's waste management infrastructure.

The environmental implications of this contract are significant, as electronic waste contains various heavy metals and hazardous materials that can lead to severe environmental degradation if not handled correctly. Since Colorado implemented a ban on landfilling e-waste in 2013, local governments have been tasked with providing residents and businesses with viable alternatives for disposal. By securing a qualified recycler, Mesa County aims to prevent these toxins from leaching into the soil and groundwater, thereby protecting both public health and the local ecosystem.

IT Refresh has served as the county’s primary e-waste recycler since 2015 and has maintained operations within Colorado since 2013. The company holds several industry certifications that verify its commitment to responsible recycling and the secure destruction of data stored on personal electronic devices. Commissioners cited this long-standing history of reliability and the company's adherence to rigorous safety standards as primary reasons for the extension, ensuring that the county’s waste management strategy remains both effective and compliant with state regulations.