Friday, June 27, 2008

65 tons of e-waste, 40 tons of appliances donated

Residents and businesses donated over 65 tons of unwanted electronic items at the community recycling event earlier this month, Napa officials reported.

This is likely the greatest yield at any single-location event in the state this year, said Kevin Miller, the city’s recycling manager.

This year’s event was expanded to include “Anything with a Cord.” This meant that washers, refrigerators and kitchen appliances were collected along with computers, TVs and cell phones.

Over 1,250 vehicles dropped off items at Napa Valley College. More than 40 tons of appliances were sent to local scrap metal recyclers.

The 65 tons of electronic items included more than four tons’ worth of computers that will be recycled for reuse in local schools.

Also collected were 7,341 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 acid batteries and 20 pounds of mercury thermometers and switches.

These products fall under a broad category of products that contain hazardous or toxic materials, called universal waste, that has been banned from California landfills.

Residents and businesses can drop off electronic waste free year-round at the Napa Recycling and Composting Facility, 820 Levitin Way, off Highway 29 and Tower Road near the airport. This facility is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m./Register

Napa Valley Register Copyright © 2009