Electronics Recycling (DC Dept Public Works) April 23, 2005

E-cycling your end-of-life electronics keeps harmful components out of landfills and supports the recovery and reuse of valuable materials.

Many types of electronics contain significant amounts of potentially hazardous materials such as arsenic, lead and mercury. In the US it is estimated that approximately 70 percent of the toxic metals in landfills comes from discarded electronics. Pollution and the potential for adverse health effects from improper disposal of electronics are becoming serious concerns. Additionally, almost all of the materials in electronics?from plastics and glass to precious metals?can be extracted and reused.

Old computers and accessories, office equipment, TVs and other electronics comprise a rapidly growing segment of America's waste stream. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, more than 3.2 million tons of electronic waste is laid to rest in landfills each year.

Residents may bring televisions and audio-video equipment, cell phones, home office equipment, computers, computer parts and computer components for end-of-life disposal or recycling. All computer monitors and TV screens must be intact?not cracked, punctured or shattered.

As part of the District's celebration of Earth Day, the DC Department of Public Works and the Office of the Clean City Coordinator are partnering with federal agencies, George Washington University and the Dell Corporation to sponsor a special electronics-recycling event on Saturday, April 23 from 9 am?3 pm at Carter Barron Amphitheatre on 16th and Kennedy Streets, NW.

A second e-cycling event will be held in conjunction with DPW's regular Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off on Saturday, May 14 from 9 am?3 pm, also at Carter Barron.