Welcome to our August newsletter! 

August Topics:
Get Your Computer Recycled For Free
• Why Recycle Electronics?
• Hewlett-Packard’s Program
• Dell Inc.'s Program
• Electronics Recycling In Central Virginia
 

Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co., the two largest personal-computer manufacturers, announced separate programs to collect computers, or other electronics, at no charge for a limited time. Environmental groups and consumers who have criticized the computer industry about lax recycling practices are now commending Dell and HP for sponsoring these recycling collections.

Currently only 11 percent of electronics are recycled which is why free electronics recycling events are a big deal. Chemicals such as lead and mercury found in electronics can leak harmful chemicals into our groundwater, land or air.

Did you know...

Statistics Courtesy of United States Environmental Protection Agency

Electronics are made using valuable materials such as steel, glass, plastic and precious metals. It makes sense that we recover these materials through recycling. Even chemicals such as lead can be safely reclaimed and reused.

Computers, televisions, cell phones and other electronics should be recycled because they are environmental hazards when disposed improperly.

Hewlett-Packard teamed with Office Depot to collect and recycle a broad range of information technology and digital entertainment products from any manufacturer, including desktops, notebooks, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, handhelds, digital cameras, fax machines, desktop copiers, flat panel displays, monitors, TVs (27" or smaller), TV/VCR combos and cell phones. All products collected from Office Depot stores will be recycled at HP's U.S. recycling facilities in Roseville, Calif. and near Nashville, Tenn. The free program runs from now through Labor Day (2004).

There are two Office Depot locations in our region participating in this program:
 

HP also has a mail-based computer recycling plan that accepts any brand of computer equipment or HP printing supplies. Since 1997, ink jet cartridges have included a postage-paid return envelope in the package that you can use to return ink cartridges back to the company at no charge. Laser jet ink cartridges have been recycled since 1991 and also include a postage paid return address in the package.

Hardware can also be recycled by HP using their automated, on-line service. The cost to return hardware ranges from $13 to $34 per item, depending upon the type and quantity of hardware to be returned.