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March/April 2004 Living Now
Free/Re-cycling

by Kevin Kasowski

So Santa was good to you and brought you that new cell phone, computer, high-definition TV, or DVD player you'd hoped for. Now, what you do you do with the old one?

If you're asking that question, you're not alone. By one estimate, some 100 million cell phones were discarded in North America alone last year. But sending electronic devices to landfills or garbage incinerators is bad for the environment and our health. Most electronic devices contain toxic metals like mercury and cadmium. TVs and computer monitors contain lead.

Hauling used electronics to the dump is no better; few, if any, local or regional governments have yet to set up recycling programs (though a few do offer periodic "collection days"). Fortunately, several private sector businesses, and even non-profit organizations, have stepped up to the plate to offer environmentally responsible ways to recycle your electronic gizmos.

If you have used electronic gear (or virtually any household item) in good working condition, you may be able to find someone who you can give your used goods to via "free cycling" -- one of the more creative uses of the Internet (think Ebay, only with free stuff). Free cycling is also a way to find your own free treasures among other people's discards, giving a second (or third, or fourth ...) life to a wide range of products. "Free-cycling" web sites are already operating in or near all the major cities throughout Oregon. (Visit: www.freecycling.org for local contacts.)

If you can't give away your used gear, don't despair: it can still be rebuilt or recycled. Non-profits like "Free Geek" will accept donated used computers, rebuild them, and make them available to low-income volunteers who help with the recycling process. For-profits companies like Earth Protection Services will recycle used TVs, computer monitors, cell phones and other gear less apt to be rebuilt.

Most of these services are in the Portland region and can be found by calling Metro’s recycling hotline, 503-234-3000 or by visiting Metro’s website at www.metro-region.org and following the links to "Find Recyclers." In Medford and vicinity, some electronics can be recycled at American Appliance Recycling (800-475-0131) in White City. Be sure to call ahead when you’re ready to recycle. Each facility varies in terms of what it will accept, when you can drop it off and the fees (generally quite modest) that you may need to pay.

So start the New Year right -- and open up some space in your home -- by recycling (or free-cycling) used computer and electronics today!

Kevin Kasowski is the Development Director of the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC), a non-profit, membership organization that works to bring Oregonians together for a healthy environment. Visit their website at www.orcouncil.org.