Saving the Planet

Campus and Community Invited to Take Part in Friday E-Waste Recycling Effort

April 20, 2010

Got an old computer, television, radio or antique cell phones cluttering up a closet or garage?

Now's the time to get it out of your life and observe Earth Week at the same time.

Environmental Health and Instructional Safety is sponsoring an E-Waste Recycle Drive-Through from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, April 23, in Parking Lot S located behind the College Park Building faculty/staff parking lot.

“We thought this would be a great idea to take part in Earth Week and provide a valuable service,” said health science senior Tracy Davidson, who developed the program as an intern with the EHIS Department. “We're inviting faculty, staff, students and the general public to bring by their items.”

E-waste shouldn't be thrown away in the regular trash, said Davidson, because of many of the materials they are made of, such as lead, barium, cadmium and mercury “have been known to contaminate water, air and dirt and are toxic to humans, animals and plants.”

In addition to old computers, TVs, radios and cell phones, the drive-through recycling can take miscellaneous computer equipment, printers, copiers, audio/video equipment, personal electronic devices and car batteries.

The free program can't accept so called “white” goods, like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers or other big items, nor will they be accepting paint, glass, yard waste, tires or used motor oil and antifreeze.

For more information about the e-waste recycling event, call 657-278-7233.