By Daily Press staff
Got E-Waste? Each year in California hundreds of thousands of computers, monitors, copiers, fax machines, printers, televisions and other electronic items become obsolete in the eyes of consumers. Rapid advances in technology and expanding demand for new features accelerate the generation of old electronic equipment, otherwise known as “E-Waste.”
Most electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals that can be recovered and used again. In addition, some electronic products contain enough levels of certain materials that render them hazardous disposal waste. California law designates discarded televisions and monitors as hazardous. Hazardous wastes can’t be disposed with municipal trash.
Some researchers estimate that up to 75 percent of “old” electronics are in storage because people don’t know what to do with them. But the city of Santa Monica’s solid waste management division does. It will be conducting a free dump day.
On Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., city workers will take residents’ E- Waste at the city yards, 2500 Michigan Ave.
This is an opportunity to clear storage space of that “old,” outdated, technologically deficient E-Waste that you have been holding onto for so long. For questions or further information, call the solid waste management division at (310) 458-8546. For those residents with disabilities, call (310) 458-8596 for a form to request a special pick-up.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 13, 2005. Read the original PDF.