E-Waste is the fastest growing part of the waste stream. Just like batteries, electronics seem safe to use, but if we throw them out, they can leak toxic chemicals like lead, mercury and cadmium into our water and air.
One computer monitor can contain four to eight pounds of lead, which if released can hurt an entire community.
On April 28, Homer will host the second annual computer and electronics recycling day. This is an opportunity for people who have been storing obsolete electronic equipment to dispose of it properly.
The Electronics Recycling Event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the loading dock behind the Spenard Builders Supply building on Lake Street.
The following items will be collected: computers and components, televisions, scanners, printers, copy and fax machines, radios, stereos, VCR and DVD players, telephones, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, credit card machines, PDA handheld devices, small kitchen appliances, video-digital cameras, household batteries, 35 mm cameras, and fluorescent lamps.
All marine electronics are accepted.
Items not accepted include audio and video tapes, smoke detectors and vacuums.
These items will be shipped to Total Reclaim Inc. in Anchorage, which recycles or reuses electronic components at their Seattle facility in a socially and environmentally responsible way.
It costs a household $15 to drop off a carload of electronics, including up to three computer monitors. Additional monitors are $10. TVs cost extra depending on size. Some additional fees may apply. Only cash or checks will be accepted, and no scavenging will be permitted.
Businesses and government agencies may recycle their used equipment for 35 cents per pound.
Nonprofit organizations will pay the business rate, but with proof of 501 (c)3 status they will be able to submit a rebate form to Green Star that will reimburse them, thanks to funding from the Rasmuson Foundation.
Businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations must call 235-6262 to schedule an appointment prior to dropping off their equipment.
Owners should wipe or remove all private information from their used cell phones and computers before recycling them.
All equipment is shredded into two-inch minus pieces then separated and sold to recyclers. Total Reclaim has signed the Pledge of True Stewardship which, among other things, guarantees they will not allow any hazardous electronic waste to be sent to a solid waste landfill for disposal.
The event is sponsored locally by Total Reclaim, Spenard Builders Supply, Cook Inletkeeper, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Tech Connect, Homer Chamber of Commerce, Homer Electric Association, Coal Point Trading, Loopy Lupine Recycled Products, Alaska Marine Conservation Council, Homer Kachemak Bay Rotary and Kachemak Bay Conservation Society, in cooperation with Green Star working with the Rasmuson Foundation to assist nonprofits statewide.
Nina Faust is the chair of the electronics recycling committee. For more information about the April 28 event, please contact her at 235-6262.
