Electronics can be green in three ways — either they are made with nontoxic methods, they use energy sparingly or they are recyclable/upgradeable. According to John Robson, a system integrator who runs the Web site GreenElectronics.com, it makes sense to reduce waste by choosing quality, or “buying it right the first time.”
But what happens when it’s time to haul your giant Sony Trinitron into the trash? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says electronic waste makes up 1 per cent of the volume of landfills but contributes 70 percent of the toxins, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, phosphors and flame-retardants.
It will be illegal on for NYC residents to dispose of electronics in the trash as of July 1. However, this will not be enforced until the manufacturers have come to a settlement with the city about their role in collecting the waste. Options include the Lower East Side Ecology Center, which holds drop-off recycling events all over the city.
“People bring those enormous old televisions or a 15 pound laptop that works but isn’t internet ready,” says Caroline Kruse, the Ecology Center’s development director. “We wish we could reuse more, but for now we’re happy to take it for recycling.”
From there, it goes to companies such as WeRecycle! LLC and Sims Recycling Solutions, which guarantee nothing will end up in the landfill or be outsourced beyond the US, and that even leaded glass, plastics and heavy metals will reach appropriate recyclers.
Also, many manufacturers, like Dell, HP and Apple run mail-back programs, and retailers like Best Buy, Costco and Office Depot offer take-back programs.
LES Ecology Center’s next recycling event is on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., PS 29 schoolyard, Baltic Street, Brooklyn; lesecologycenter.org