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News Release 536
NOV. 15 IS E-CYCLE MISSOURI DAY
Volume 35-536 |
Contact: Renee Bungart |
(For immediate release) |
573-751-4465 |
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 15, 2007 – Do you have an outdated computer or two in your basement? If you do, you’re not alone. With a constant supply of newer, faster electronic products on the market, Americans continually replace older models. As a result, electronics have become one of the fastest growing waste streams.
To help raise public awareness of the environmental impacts associated with discarded electronics, Gov. Matt Blunt has signed a proclamation announcing Nov. 15 as e-cycle Missouri Day.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 2 million tons of computers and other electronics are disposed of each year. Currently, only about 20 percent of these materials are recycled. “It’s important for all of us to properly dispose and recycle our electronic equipment to help protect our natural resources,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers.
Computer monitors and older TVs contain an average of four pounds of lead. In addition to lead, electronics can contain chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and brominated flame retardants. Properly reusing or recycling electronics prevents these heavy metals and other toxic materials from polluting our environment. Manufacturers can make new products from the lead, gold, copper and other precious metals recovered from electronics. Recovering and reusing these materials reduces the need to mine for new raw materials.
The Department of Natural Resources brought together stakeholders to get input on what direction Missouri should take to manage discarded electronics. A partnership evolved that includes private, public and nonprofit recyclers, federal, state and local governments, manufacturers, environmental groups and retail organizations. This partnership developed a program called e-cycle Missouri. E-cycle Missouri provides electronic equipment recyclers and demanufacturers with best management practices for collecting, processing and transporting e-scrap in Missouri in a way that protects the environment. It also provides individuals and businesses with the information necessary to recycle electronic waste and choose a recycler that best meets their needs.
For a list of recyclers registered with the Department of Natural Resources, to participate in a collection event hosted by a city, county or solid waste management district or for more information on e-cycle Missouri visit the Web at www.e-cyclemo.org or call 800-361-4827.
For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.
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