Oregonians ‘e-cycle’ more tech, TV
The Oregon E-Cycles Program, now in its fifth year, continues to show growth in its collection of unwanted computers, monitors and televisions throughout the state, the Department of Environmental Quality reported Wednesday.
The program tallied a more than 3 percent gain in total pounds of materials collected in 2012, according to final figures released by the DEQ.
DEQ administers the program, which has grown to a network of more than 250 collection sites and recycling facilities statewide that accept computers, monitors and televisions for free.
Electronics manufacturers collect and recycle the materials and pay registration fees to cover DEQ’s administrative costs. DEQ sets collection goals each year.
In 2012, Oregon E-Cycles sites and recycling facilities collected 26.7 million pounds of materials, up from the 25.9 million pounds in 2011. During its first year of operation, the program collected 19 million pounds of discarded electronics products.
“Oregon E-Cycles reached a new high in terms of pounds in collected in 2012,” said James Padilla, E-Cycles project manager. “We expect to see continued gains through 2013. We encourage Oregonians to visit www.oregonecycles.org when it comes time to recycle computers, monitors and TVs. The website is a great resource for finding convenient collection sites throughout the state.”
The 26.7 million pounds of Oregon electronics waste collected in 2012 represents 6.9 pounds per Oregonian. Among states with electronics recycling laws, Oregon’s 6.9 pounds-per-capita collection rate ranks among the highest in the nation, based on data compiled by the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse.
The recycling of electronic waste collected in 2012 achieves an energy savings equivalent to 3.2 million gallons of gasoline, as well as greenhouse gas reductions equal to tailpipe emissions of 6,325 cars per year.
For more information on the Oregon E-Cycles program, go to DEQ’s home page at www.oregon.gov/DEQ/ and look under “How do I: Recycle my computer or TV?”
