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University looks for volunteers for computer and electronics recycling event on Nov. 3
October 30, 2007
The University's Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) is offering a free, computer and electronics recycling event to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.
The collection will take place in the University's north campus parking lots. Raident Technology, Inc. will gather computers and other consumer electronics and properly recycle the products, preventing release of unwanted material into the environment and recovering valuable metals, plastics and other material.
"This event helps provide a service to our community and diverts as much toxic material as possible from our landfills, and recovers the useable and valuable material in these systems," said Woody Wright, Environmental Health and Safety's hazardous waste manager.
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.
"While residents may still legally place their old electronics in their domestic trash, this is a much better way to dispose of these materials," Wright said.
EH&S held E-waste events in 2003, when it netted 86,000 pounds of waste, and in 2004 with 201,000 pounds collected. The department was overwhelmed with the waste collection and the lack of funding for recycling. With the addition of Radient Technology, Inc. as a co-sponsor, the department is confident that all collected equipment will be properly recycled.
The department hopes to hold the event at least annually to meet community needs.
The following materials will be recycled: computers, monitors, keyboards, computer mice, cables, power supplies, printers, fax machines, cell phones, televisions, digital video disc (DVD) players, videocassette recorders (VCRs), digital video recorders (DVRs), and cable boxes. Event personnel will not collect microwave ovens, toasters, blenders or other similar kitchen appliances.
To get to the drop-off location, enter the campus on 17th Street from North Virginia Street. Turn left on West Stadium Way and follow the signs north.
