E-Cycling

We’ve all heard of recycling paper, plastic, and metals, but what about the electronic waste that adds to the surmounting landfills every day?  E-recycling programs, such as the Oregon E-Cycles Program are looking to address the growing issue of cell phones, computers, and televisions in landfills.  In the first six months of 2011, Oregon E-Cycles collected 12.2 million pounds of e-waste for recycling. 

This free service has met its recycling goals every year since 2009.  E-cycles is well on its way to meeting its 22.95 million pound goal for 2011.  This increase is due to Oregon’s ban of computer and monitor disposal that went into effect in 2010.  Many consumers are unaware of e-waste’s highly toxic effect in landfills; thus the disposal ban and E-Cycling program.

Source:

http://www.oregonlive.com/argus/index.ssf/2011/08/state_e-recycling_shows_gains.html

For more information on recycling technologies, check out SCIENCE SCREEN REPORT’s Volume 40 episode: RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY – Waste Not, Want Not
http://www.ssrvideo.com/vol40.html#3