Napa Leads the State in Electronics Recycling

Tag : Computer And Electronics

Partnering again with NRWS and Electronic Recyclers International(ERI), the Fresno-headquartered largest recycler of electronicwaste in the state of California, the City of Napa announced thisweek its estimated total numbers for the free public collectionevent, staged at the Napa Valley College Soccer Field parking loton June 13th and 14th.

"We are thrilled with the continuing success of this event andhonored to be involved," said John S. Shegerian, ERI'sChairman and CEO. "It is a true testament to the continuingneed of organized electronic waste drop-off sites around California- and the people of Napa continue to set the bar particularlyhigh."

NRWS handled off-loading, collection and packaging of materialswhile ERI, which recycles all of the toxic materials it collects atits own Fresno facility, handled shipping and processing for all ofthe electronic waste brought to the event.

In addition to the more than 61 tons of e-waste collected and sentoff to ERI for recycling, two non-profit organizations collaboratedto facilitate local of reuse of computer equipment. As a result oftheir efforts, 3.6 tons of e-waste were collected by ComputerRecycling Center for reuse at local schools and other non-profitsand 0.67 tons by Napa Valley Computer To Schools for reuse at Napaschools. Also collected for recycling for the first time ever atthe Napa event were 7,341 linear feet of fluorescent light tubes,390 compact fluorescent bulbs, 1,100 pounds of alkaline batteries,60 pounds of nicad batteries, 1,600 pounds of gel cell lead acidbatteries and 20 pounds of mercury thermometers and switches. Alongwith e-waste, all of these items fall under a broad category ofproducts that contain hazardous or toxic materials that are socommon that they are called universal waste or "u-waste"that have been banned from disposal at California landfills.

Kevin Miller, the City's Recycling Manager, emphasized howimportant tracking the legal recycling of e-waste is to theprogram. "ERI's facility is approved by the CaliforniaEnvironmental Protection Agency and the California Department ofToxic Substance Control as an authorized outlet and all activitiesare monitored by a state-of-the-art surveillance and securitycamera system," said Miller. "All electronic componentsare 100% recycled and easily traceable using ERI's unique bar codedreports."

Residents who missed the event can drop off their electronic wastefor free at the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility at 820Levitin Way (off Hwy 29 & Tower Rd in American Canyon, CA). Thefacility is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.