Do have an old computer that doesn’t work? How about a stereo system that just is obsolete and you don’t know what to do with it?
You may want to keep Saturday morning in mind.
The city’s Environmental Health Services Department, in partnership with Keep South Padre Island Beautiful, Republic Services and RDA Technologies, are hosting an Earth Day electronic recycling event from 8 to 11 a.m. at City Hall.
According to the Earth Day Network, more than 50 million tons of electronic waste is generated each year in the United States and only 20 to 25 percent of it is recycled responsibly.
The goal is to provide safe and responsible recycling of obsolete, unused or unwanted electronics.
“This is a great opportunity to properly dispose of your electronics,” said Susan Guthrie, SPI city manager. “The community will benefit from this event to reduce waste and the negative impact that irresponsible disposal may cause.”
Guide to recycling your electronics
1. Don’t throw old electronics in the trash
Don’t put your old electronic products or batteries in the trash (even if it is legal in your state). The toxics inside these products don’t belong in the landfill.
2. Donate for reuse if possible
If your product can be reused, donate it to a reputable reuse organization, that won’t export it unless it’s fully func-tional.
3. Find a responsible recycler in your state
If your product is too old or too broken to donate you should recycle it. But many recyclers simply export your old products, dumping them on developing nations.
4. No e-Steward near you? Try the manufacturers’ free recycling programs
If there is new e-Steward near you, then you may want to use the manufacturer’s take back program, although many don’t provide much disclosure about responsible recycling. Many have voluntary take back programs, where they will recycle your old products for free. Some offer trade-in value or money back for your products.
5. Still can’t find a convenient location? Try these retailers
Staples and Best take back electronics
6. Cell phone recycling
This one is easy, because you can mail them back for free to some recyclers, including Capstone Wireless and Call2Recycle.
If You Go
WHAT: Earth Day electronic recycling event
WHERE: 4601 Padre Boulevard, SPI City Hall
WHEN: Saturday, April 22, from 8 to 11 a.m.
WHY: To safely dispose of electronic waste that is unused, obsolete or unwanted. This includes computers and televisions
