North Campus hosting electronics

recycling event  

Rob Vanya, October 18, 2012

The San Jacinto College North Campus Green Team will host Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and will take place in the parking lot of the Dr. Charles Grant Fine Arts Center, located at the southern end of the North Campus, 5800 Uvalde Road in the North Channel area.

The North Campus Green Team promotes environmental responsibility at the College and surrounding communities. Items collected at the event will be recycled by 5R Processors, a Wisconsin-based business that has been recycling electronics since 1988.

“Many people are aware that recycling cans, bottles and paper keeps them out of landfills, but many do not know that there are ways to recycle electronic devices,” commented Susan Lustick, who teaches biology and serves as the North Campus Green Team chair. Lustick said recycling electronic waste helps prevent environmental health issues because electronic waste contains toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. “Recycling e-waste keeps hazardous chemicals out of landfills where toxins can leach into soil and groundwater,” she explained. “It also conserves natural resources because many of the parts may be reused.”

Community members and businesses are invited to drop off any old or unused electronics, which will help keep the devices out of landfills. Items that will be accepted include desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers, televisions, cell phones, microwaves, stereo equipment, fax machines, toner cartridges, DVDs, and related electronic devices. Secure, certified data cleansing of hard drives will also be available by 5R Processors for $10 per unit. Wood console and projection televisions will be accepted for a $30 fee. Wooden speaker sets will be accepted for a $10 fee.

Items that cannot be accepted include: anything containing biohazards, hazardous waste or radioactive materials, liquids, fluorescent bulbs, smoke detectors, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Alkaline batteries cannot be accepted and should be removed from all devices.

For a complete list of electronic items accepted, please visit www.5Rprocessors.com.

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in more than 200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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