Oregon electronics recycling set to expand
Beginning on Jan. 1, the Oregon Electronics Recycling Program, Oregon E-Cycles, will expand to include the collection and recycling of computer peripherals (keyboards and mice) and printers.
The program, administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, is completing its sixth year to collect and recycle computers, monitors and TVs throughout Oregon.
Oregon E-Cycles includes a network of more than 270 collection locations and recyclers, in addition to collection events statewide. These sites will be able to accommodate the extra material expected with the addition of printers and peripheral computer equipment. Electronics manufacturers fund the collection and recycling of devices and Oregon DEQ’s administrative costs.
“The addition of new devices to the Oregon program demonstrates the strong commitment of Oregonians to responsibly recycle their electronic waste while protecting our shared environment,” said Craig Lorch, chief executive officer of Seattle-based Total Reclaim.
Total Reclaim has been one of Oregon E-Cycles’ primary collectors and recyclers of electronics equipment since the program began on-ground operations in 2009; the firm operates a northeast Portland recycling facility.
The company, along with several other program participants, ensures that electronic equipment is safely dismantled and that any potentially hazardous materials are properly managed.
Preliminary figures for 2014 indicate that Oregon E-Cycles will meet its intended goal of 29.3 million total pounds collected and recycled. DEQ will announce final yearly collection totals in a legislative report in the first quarter of 2015.
From 2009 to 2013, Oregon E-Cycles collected 123.5 million pounds of electronics for recycling and 158,335 units for reuse.
DEQ estimates that during this five-year period, these recycling and reuse activities achieved greenhouse gas reductions of about 141,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is comparable to the benefit of eliminating tailpipe emissions from approximately 30,500 average passenger cars driving for one year.
The Oregon E-Cycles website, at www.oregonecycles.org, provides a database of collection locations and list of manufacturers who are compliant with the program, as well as other program information.
