The recycling option: What to do with used electronics
8:30 a.m. Friday, January 4, 2008
It was a season for giving and getting electronics.
When it comes to tech toys and upgraded systems, "in with the new" is a tradition, but consumers are often stumped when it comes to "out with the old."
“Consumers are in dire need of up-to-date comprehensive information on electronics and the environment,” said Consumer Electronics Association Parker Brugge.
That's where MyGreenElectronics.org comes in. Designed to be a one stop resource, the program teaches people how to responsibly use, re-use, and recycle their electronics.
"Our research has shown that if consumers knew how to recycle their products they would do so and none of them would end up in the trash,” Brugge said.
Phil Loar, a recycling Management specialist, sees used electronics go to waste every day.
"Most electronics have hazardous materials that we want to keep out of landfills and out of incinerators, but they also have valuable metals we'd like to recover and we don't want to waste those," Loar said.
He admits more and more people are recycling their old electronics, but there's a lot more that could be done.
"It takes a lot more education to help people understand why it’s important to recycle the electronic components that they have."
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