About SEC

What Is the Challenge?

The State Electronics Challenge (SEC) is a voluntary program that encourages state, regional, and local governments, including schools and other public entities, to:

• Purchase greener computer products.
• Reduce the impacts of computers during use.
• Manage obsolete computers in an environmentally safe way.

Government agencies and organizations participate as "Partners" in the program. The SEC provides Partners with resources and technical assistance for improving electronics management practices, and offers annual recognition to Partners that have achieved specific goals.

The SEC is modeled after the Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC), which was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of the Federal Environmental Executive.

The State Electronics Challenge – Northeast Pilot - is managed by the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc., with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont all participated in the development of the SEC – Northeast Pilot.

Why Should Government Get Involved?

Collectively, state and local government purchase more than $35 billion worth of technology equipment annually*, and has the opportunity to provide leadership in the environmentally sound and cost-effective management of electronic assets. The SEC will help state, local, and regional government and agencies to become leaders and face the new challenges posed by this waste stream.

Why Electronics?

Used and obsolete electronics, such as computers, pose challenging environmental management problems.

Electronic products contain a variety of hazardous constituents. Cathode ray tubes, circuit boards, batteries, and other electronic components often contain toxic materials such as lead and cadmium. This growing and changing waste stream presents new challenges and responsibilities in designing and managing products to reduce the environmental impacts associated with each phase of the electronics life cycle — procurement, operation and maintenance, and end-of-life management.

Which Products Does the SEC Target?

The SEC primarily targets desktop and laptop/portable computers, computer monitors, and computer peripherals. 

*National Association of Purchasing Officials
Buying Smart: State Procurement Saves Millions