Environmental compliance – Which PC component requires EPA-compliant disposal? Select the item that typically falls under hazardous waste guidelines and needs special handling.

Introduction / Context:
Electronics service work must adhere to environmental regulations. Certain components contain hazardous materials and require special disposal methods to protect human health and the environment. Identifying these parts is a core responsibility of technicians and IT asset managers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider typical desktop/laptop components.
• EPA (or equivalent local authority) guidelines apply to hazardous materials.
• We must choose the component that specifically mandates special handling.

Concept / Approach:

PC batteries (CMOS coin cells, laptop Li-ion packs, UPS batteries) can contain lithium, cobalt compounds, or lead (for sealed lead-acid), and are classified as hazardous. They must be recycled or disposed through approved channels. While motherboards and power supplies should also be recycled as e-waste, the most stringent, clearly regulated item among the options is the battery.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Review local e-waste laws: batteries are often singled out for separate collection. Many municipalities ban batteries from regular trash due to fire risk and toxic materials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Keyboards and metal PSUs can be recycled as general e-waste but lack the specific hazardous designation of batteries. Motherboards contain small amounts of heavy metals but are typically processed through e-waste recycling streams; the question emphasizes the component that specifically “requires” EPA handling—battery.

Common Pitfalls:

Tossing coin cells into general trash; shipping swollen Li-ion packs without proper packaging; ignoring local transport rules for lead-acid batteries.

Final Answer:

Battery.