Raident Technology, Inc. and the University of Nevada, Reno Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) partnered in holding an e-waste event on Nov. 3. It was held on the University's north campus parking lots.

The purpose of the event was to properly recycle electronic waste, such as old computers, televisions, fax machines, cell phones and other electronic-related devices.

"The event was successful," said John Sagebiel, environmental affairs manager for EH&S. "Approximately 100,000 pounds of electronic materials were collected and recycled and we look forward to holding another event next year."

Raident Technology, Inc., the sponsor of the event, is a company that specializes in asset management and resource recovery and is the University's vendor for disposing of electronic products. The event was supported by 30 University students, faculty, staff and community members and three volunteers from Raident Technology, Inc.

How the e-waste is recycled depends on its value for other uses. Some of it will be assessed for useable parts, for example, while other parts like metal and glass will be broken down into recyclable material.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, used or unwanted electronics amounted to approximately 1.9 to 2.2 million tons in 2005. Of that, about 1.5 to 1.9 million tons were primarily discarded in landfills, and less than 400,000 tons were recycled.
"It is important to prevent the release of unwanted material into the environment and recover valuable metals, plastics and other material." Sagebiel said.

For information on recycling computers and electronic equipment, please visit the Environmental Health and Safety website or call 784-1987.