According to a report by the Texas Campaign for the Environment, my home state of Texas ranks last in recycling computer parts among states that require manufacturers to take back their electronics.

E-waste is a fast growing problem, as many cellphones and computers contain such hazardous materials as lead and mercury, which often find their way into the water streams and contaminate land. Many of the items considered to be e-waste can be recycled, refurbished or reused by e-waste recyclers.

According to the report, in 2009 Texas recovered 15.2 million pounds of used electronics for recycling or reuse. Think about how much more can be recycled if more emphasis was placed on e-waste recycling by local, state and national government, as well as by businesses, organizations, places of worship, etc.

Computer maker Dell partnered with Goodwill and Staples to provide drop-off points for all computers and had phenomenal success. As a company or organization that is going green, why not have your own drop off boxes for e-waste? It would provide excellent opportunities to show the public your concern for the environment. Sponsor drop off boxes at schools, churches and temples, outside office buildings, supermarkets, etc. The money raised can be donated to the schools or other non-profits, and you will create positive goodwill.

You can find out where you can drop off the e-waste at these links for the National Center for Electronics Recycling, the Telecommunications Industry Association e-cycling website and the EPA have links on their website.

Help Make Every Day Earth Day.

Here’s to a greener tomorrow, today.
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Robert Piller, experienced in green marketing campaigns and environmentally-friendly promotional products. His web site includes a comprehensive eco-friendly advertising specialty search, featuring over 250,000 eco promotional items in all price ranges, for any business or organization interested in going green. The site’s handy search tool helps you easily find recyclable, biodegradable, organic or recycled imprinted promotional items in your price range and time frame. View the Go Green website at EcoMarketingSolutions.com and comment on his blog postings at GreenSpotBlog.com.