U of M and Apple Will Co-sponsor Major Electronics Recycling Effort

A little green can go a long way, even at a University known for its blue.

            The University of Memphis, together with computer manufacturer Apple, is sponsoring a major electronics recycling effort that is open to the public Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the campus’ Southern Avenue parking lot (near the corner of Southern Avenue and Echles).

Items that will be accepted include CPUs, all-in-one computer systems, laptop/notebook computers, televisions, cameras, printers, computer mice, copiers, PDAs, keyboards, monitors, servers, speakers, hubs, audio devices, FAX machines, cell phones, pagers, wires, cables, routers, and switches.

The event provides an opportunity to dispose of unwanted computer equipment in a convenient and environmentally friendly manner.  All equipment will be ground to confetti, and hard drives and all other information are secured.

There is no cost for the service and no limit to the number of items that can be dropped off. Professional movers will be on site to unload the equipment.

            Detailed information about the event, including a map to the location, can be found at http://www.memphis.edu/erecycling.htm. This site also lists information on how institutions such as small- and medium-sized businesses and non-profits can take part on other designated days.

            “The project has been very successful at other sites where it has been conducted,” said Dr. David Cox, executive assistant to the President and one of several coordinators of the event. “It is consistent with the University’s mission of developing partnerships that help improve the Mid-South community.”

The recycling initiative will take place across the state.  Similar events on the same days are being hosted by Vanderbilt University in Nashville and East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.

            Along with many other serious issues facing our environment, the world is experiencing a crisis in electronic waste. Toxic materials such as lead, mercury, chlorine and bromine are commonly used in producing computers and other electronics, and if these devices are dumped into solid waste systems after they have outlived their usefulness, the toxins can seep from landfills into groundwater or be released by incinerator emissions or ash.

Hazardous e-waste is often sent to developing countries for recycling. However, once there it is often simply discarded. Even if recycling occurs, the process used in those countries is very dangerous to workers and pollutes the general environment.