Electronic Recycling Options Increase for Earth Day 2009

One of the growing environmental topics, proper disposal of consumer electronics, will be at the forefront of many Earth Day celebrations as local communities, retailers and electronic recyclers are offering free e-waste disposal events.

• Earth Day 2009 will celebrate the launch of a brand new processing facility in Atlanta. Tampa-based ViaTek Solutions is celebrating the opening of its second processing facility with a week of free electronics recycling at both locations. The event will run from April 20-24 and covers all personal electronics.
• Baltimore County is holding a free electronics recycling event at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Towson, Md. on April 25 for electronics other than TVs, and will supply tax donation receipts.
  

  In anticipation of Earth Day, several companies are sponsoring nationwide electronics recycling programs. Photo: PCC.edu

• In Compton, Calif. electronics manufacturer Belkin is sponsoring a free e-waste recycling day on April 25 at Lueders Park. Belkin will accept everything from TVs to computer cables.
• IKEA stores in Carson and Covina, Calif. will accept electronics for free on April 26, with participants receiving two free energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
• Panasonic is using Earth Day 2009 to add 30 new Southeast U.S. drop-off sites to its MRM Recycling program. This means there are now 310 drop-off locations covering all 50 states to drop off Panasonic electronics for free recycling.

Many states have addressed the issue of e-waste with laws banning them from landfills. In some cases manufacturers and retailers pay for recycling programs. On the other hand, consumers may have to cover the cost through a disposal fee paid at the point-of-purchase.

For those who don’t live in one of these participating areas, there’s always takeback programs through retailers like Best Buy and Staples.