eCycle for Earth Day

Don’t trash your old computer when you can pass it on for reuse or recycling. That’s the thinking behind EPA’s “Pass It on Week,” which runs April 22 – 28, 2007. EPA is encouraging consumers to use EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling partner programs and other Web-based search engines to find local donation and recycling opportunities for consumer electronics.

“Americans have the opportunity to make a difference in their immediate communities and in the larger environment,” said Susan Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “Donating or recycling computers gives more people access to technology and helps reuse valuable materials, which saves energy and reduces green house gas emissions.”

EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling partnership consists of consumer electronic manufacturers and retailers that work to increase safe recycling of electronic products, such as computers, televisions, and cell phones. The partners offer different recycling options to consumers. Some offer online take-back or trade-in programs; some partner with local counties or organizations to facilitate collections; some host collection events at retail locations; still others support local recycling events sponsored by local communities. Some sample activities during Pass It on Week include the following:

Dell and EPA are co-hosting an electronics collection event in Washington, D.C.
Sharp is taking back old televisions with new on-line purchases.
Best Buy is offering small grants to local communities to develop eCycling programs to complement their in-store take-back programs for cell phones, periodic collection events, and TV haul-away programs.

In 2006, the Plug-In partners recycled more than 34 million pounds of electronics, saving enough energy to power over 7,000 homes or prevent emissions from more than 12,000 cars. Plug-In To eCycling partners include: Cingular Wireless, Best Buy, Dell, eBay’s Rethink initiative, HP, Intel, JVC, Lexmark, NEC Display, Office Depot, Panasonic, Philips, Sharp, Sony, Staples and Toshiba.

By recognizing the contributions of these various organizations, EPA does not endorse the purchase or sale of any commercial services or products of these companies.