The first year of electronics recycling programs in Oregon and Washington were a huge success.
Both states started nearly identical programs at the beginning of 2009 and reported their yearly results today.
In Oregon, we turned in 18.9 million pounds of leftover computers, monitors and televisions. That’s about five pounds per Oregonian. Washington did even better. Residents recycled 38.5 million pounds of electronics, or nearly six pounds per person.
Both states say the response far exceeded their expectations.
Kathy Kiwala of Oregon DEQ says the agency suspected there might be some pent-up demand in the state. “Given that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in America, coupled with the rate at which people purchase new electronics, it’s not surprising there’s a glut of e-waste just waiting to be recycled,” says Kiwala. She thinks the 2009 switch to digital TV also gave the program a boost as many people got rid of their older analog television sets.
Meanwhile some interesting info-nuggets from each state.
Oregon:
- We recycled roughly 52,000 pounds of computers, monitors and televisions each day
- Have kept nearly 1.2 million pounds of lead out of landfills and incinerators
- Prevented the release of greenhouse gases equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 34,000 cars
Washington:
- 22.3 million pounds of televisions
- 12. 3 million pounds of monitors
- 3.9 million pounds of computers
The E-cycles programs in both states are free to donors, but paid for by the electronics industry.
For more information:
Hi,
My name is Cara and I wanted to provide feedback on your page (http://www.naturaloregon.org/2010/01/28/29000-tons-northwest-e-cycle-programs-off-to-a-strong-start/). I’m not sure if your the right person to contact, but I wanted to tell that as a Summer school teacher in need of resources, your page has been a tremendous help! I’m working on a recycling unit for my students and I found some great information on your site. Thank you!
I did notice a link on your page that isn’t working, at least not for me. It says “Oregon E-Cycles” and is supposed to direct me to http://www.oregonecycles.org/.
As a thank you for all the help you gave me, I thought I’d give you another great page to add to your list, in case you’re interested. I’ve been using this page (http://www.partselect.com/JustForFun/Guide-to-Recycling-Appliances-and-Electronics.aspx) and it has some great resources that I think you’ll find useful.
Thanks Again,
Cara Chandler