Port E-Waste Event A Success

Monday, 22 September 2008

Almost a ton of computer monitors, components, printers and audio equipment was collected on September 18th during the Port of San Diego's first Electronics Recycling Event.

The drop-off point was located in the Port administration building employee parking lot, allowing Port employees to conveniently recycle personal equipment as they arrived at the office.

"Everyone who dropped off equipment said they were glad to get rid of the devices in an environmentally safe way," said Larry McCauley, Assistant Environmental Specialist and organizer of the event.

Forty-two employees participated, filling four huge four-feet square by five feet high collection boxes with 13 computers, 13 computer monitors, 22 computer components, 11 printers, 4 televisions, 20 audio devices, 13 small appliances and 33 miscellaneous items.

The collection boxes were lifted by forklift onto a truck and transported by the Allan Company, the recycling company that services the Port on a regular basis, to an electronic recycler in Poway for shredding and recycling of the material.

"Electronic recycling prevents toxic waste from entering the landfills and reduces the need to use raw materials to manufacture electronic products," said McCauley. "And it is socially responsible."

In California, it is illegal to dispose of electronic devices such as computer monitors and cell phones in the trash. Although electronic waste represents approximately two percent of the trash in U.S. landfills, it contributes almost 70 percent of overall toxic waste.

The Electronics Recycling Event was one of many environmentally beneficial activities planned in September during the Port's Green Port Month.

"For a first-time event, it was a success. We plan on having another Electronics Recycling Event next year," said McCauley.