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 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.

As of June 17th 2011 we have upgraded our comment system to use Facebook comments. The below comments are closed and are listed for historical purposes.

3 Archived Comments

  1. Judith

    posted on April 22nd, 2009 at 5:45 pm

    Now that DTV is upon us, where do I recycle my old antenna? I have researched your site and others, but cannot find one near Santa Rosa, CA

  2. Bookmarks for February 16th through February 17th | The Wahoffs.com

    posted on February 17th, 2010 at 10:14 am

    [...] Electronic Recycling Options Increase for Earth Day 2009 – Earth911.com – [...]

  3. Tarun

    posted on April 27th, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    According to the US EPA, more than 4.6 million tonnes of e-waste ended up in US landfills in 2000. Toxic chemicals in electronics products can leach into the land over time or are released into the atmosphere, impacting nearby communities and the environment. In many European countries, regulations have been introduced to prevent electronic waste being dumped in landfills due to its hazardous content. However, the practice still continues in many countries. In Hong Kong for example, it is estimated that 10-20 percent of discarded computers go to landfill.

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