NC State expands e-recycling efforts to meet growing demand

Posted: October 23, 2012

NC State expands e-recycling efforts to meet growing demand

RALEIGH, N.C. – How many electronic products do you own? Go ahead, start counting.

For most Americans, it’s 24 per household, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When these products become outdated or no longer work, they become e-waste, which is both potentially toxic and growing rapidly. That’s why North Carolina landfills no longer accept television and computer equipment, rather pointing consumers to electronic recycling, known also as e-recycling.

“This increase in electronics has not gone unnoticed,” said Analis Fulghum, education and outreach coordinator for the university’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Office. “While the university has a strategy for electronic recycling of university property, there are now even more opportunities on campus to recycle electronics.”

This fall more than 200 yellow e-recycling bins will be placed across campus, first appearing outside residence halls and later other buildings.

“The bins will collect more than electronic devices,” Fulghum said. “There are labels on the bins detailing what can be recycled such as CDs, ink and toner cartridges, as well as small electronics.”

Responsible e-recycling is a growing need worldwide as more electronic products are developed and e-waste increases. The documentary Terra Blight, which will be shown for free at NC State’s Campus Cinema on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., highlights the hazardous e-waste created in pursuit of the latest technology.

Sponsored by Union Activities Board, University Sustainability Office, and Waste Reduction and Recycling, the documentary will be followed by a panel discussion that includes the film’s producer. The free event is open to the public.

“Terra Blight will show that e-waste is a growing environmental and social concern, but we can do something about it,” Fulghum said.

On Nov. 15, NC State will celebrate America Recycles Day by offering free e-recycling and paper shredding from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the corner of Partners Way and Main Campus Drive on Centennial Campus.

Computers, handheld devices, small kitchen appliances, cell phones and other corded items will be accepted, as well as related items such as batteries, CDs and USB drives. Televisions and computer monitors can be recycled for a nominal $5 fee per item.

Also, for sensitive documents unable to be recycled through home recycling programs, shredding will be available for up to eight 50-lb. boxes of mixed paper per person. Light cardboard will also be accepted.

More information:

http://recycling.ncsu.edu/getinvolved/americarecyclesday.php

http://recycling.ncsu.edu/getinvolved/terrablightevent.php

http://recycling.ncsu.edu/learnmore/electronics.php