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Virginia Communities Partner for Electronics Recycling Month in April to Increase Public Awareness of Recycling Options

Posted on: Thursday, 9 March 2006, 18:00 CST

RICHMOND, Va., March 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- April 2006 is Electronics Recycling Month in Virginia. This first ever statewide initiative has been organized by Computer Recycling Initiative (CRI) and Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) in an effort to help people understand the need for proper disposal of electronics as well as encourage more recycling opportunities be made available for citizens. Fifteen communities across the state have planned electronics collection events in April, during which outdated computers, monitors, televisions, printers and cell phones will be accepted. There is a nominal drop off fee for some items. ( --1 )

Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition estimates that by the end of 2007, computers and TVs will become obsolete at an alarming rate of 160,000 per day. If landfilled or incinerated, hazardous materials in common electronic products may be released into the soil, air or water. Traditional televisions and computer monitors use cathode ray tubes (CRTs), each of which contain as much as 8 pounds of lead. Flat screen TVs and monitors contain mercury. Printed circuit boards and switches in electronic devices contain small amounts of chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead.

Fifteen collection events have been planned around the state including collections in Tidewater, Northern Virginia, Richmond and southwest Virginia. Each community's event is listed on VRA's web site (http://www.vrarecycles.org) and is similar in concept, but may vary on specific materials accepted, costs, and limits as to participation. Visit the web site for exact location and times.

"This is a great opportunity to get rid of that old PC or VCR that has been collecting dust in your attic and know it will be responsibly reused or recycled," said Carrie Dorsey, CRI's director. "We hope April's Electronics Recycling Month will precipitate more recycling options in the future."

The Computer Recycling Initiative is a grass roots effort to create awareness of the harmful effects discarded computers and other electronics pose to the environment and provide venues for the proper disposal of electronics in Central Virginia. CRI has organized three independent collections over the last year, saving nearly 60 tons of electronics from landfills. LOCAL MEDIA: CRI has planned another collection on April 22nd, Earth Day, at Robious Elementary School from 8:30 to 12:30pm. Details may be found at http://www.computerecycle.org.

The Virginia Recycling Association was formed in 1990 by a group of individuals who are committed to expanding state recycling opportunities. The VRA strives to be the leading resource of recycling information for our members, the general public, the Virginia General Assembly, local government, business, and industry. The membership is comprised of professionals representing local, state and federal government, private industry, and non-profit organizations.

NOTE: ( --1): Some events are restricted to residents of the sponsoring locality. Some accept business waste. Fees may be charged for particular items to offset recycling costs.

http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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