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A Place for the Accumulating Mass of Electronic Gadgets
The Newberg Graphic, October 5, 2005
Does your computer need updating? Is your cell phone on the fritz? Don't throw them away! Recycle them, along with all the other electronics gathering dust in your garage or basement.
If you have electronics that are outdated for your needs, but still work, consider donating them to a non-profit organization, a resale shop, or a student that just needs the basics. There are several non-profit computer refurbishers in the Portland area that accept working computers, update them, and donate them to schools and other non-profits. Check out freegeek.org to find out more. Many women's shelters accept working cell phones for reuse as 911 phones for those in need. Contact local agencies to see if they are currently accepting phones. There are fundraising opportunities for recycling cell phones and ink and toner cartridges. Look online for companies that will pay you to send them certain phones and cartridges, such as RipMobile.com or tonerinx.com.
Newberg Garbage and Recycling Service accepts electronic equipment and up to two computer monitors for recycling at no charge on Saturdays only at the Public Recycling Depot on Wynooski Rd in Newberg. If you have large quantities of electronics, you must call to schedule a drop-off appointment during the week. A fee applies for three or more monitors. Accepted items include computer systems and related equipment, cell phones and accessories, VCR's and DVD players, radios and stereos, CD's, DVD's and videocassettes, as well as ink and toner cartridges. Items not accepted in the Electronics Recycling program include TV's, copy machines, microwaves, and home appliances. These items must go to the transfer site for a fee.
What will happen to your old computer? Newberg Garbage and Recycling Service sends all collected computers and e-waste, to a company that breaks them down and sells their components for recycling. Because the desired components are sandwiched with non-recyclable materials, recycling e-waste is difficult and time consuming. Oregon lawmakers, along with US and European legislators, are trying to create new markets that will help make e-waste recycling easier in the future. E-waste is a growing problem. As each new technological innovation makes way for the next, it gets harder and harder to absorb outdated e-waste into the existing recycling structure. An Oregon DEQ study shows that 27,000 tons of e-waste was sent to Oregon landfills in 2002. E-waste releases lead, mercury, chromium, and other heavy metals when sent to the landfill. When you consider how quickly new computers become obsolete or how often your cell phone has to be replaced, you can start to see how fast e-waste piles up.
How can you help? Write to your state and federal legislators to let them know that you support E-waste recycling legislation. Don't throw electronics into the trash; recycle all your old computers, cell phones, and other electronic equipment at the Public Recycling Depot in Newberg.
If you have questions about recycling, call Newberg Garbage Service at 503-538-1388.
By: Martha Hovis, Recycling Coordinator
Newberg Garbage and Recycling Service
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