Sponsored by the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Recycling Market Development Advisory Council and several other community partners, the event will give area residents an opportunity to clean out their attics and properly recycle old computers, television sets, cell phones, and other electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste. The following items will be accepted for recycling:

• cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors
• televisions
• laptop computers
• central processing units (CPUs)
• peripheral equipment (keyboards, mice, cords, speakers)
• printers
• fax machines
• cell phones
• stereo equipment
• answering machines
• telephones.

“Since 1997, the Council has been committed to finding a long-term solution for handling the growing amount of electronic scrap being generated in our state,” said Ted Campbell, council manager. “We’ve worked with community leaders, recycling professionals, and computer manufacturers to help devise a system that would not only develop a collection infrastructure but also address the processing costs associated with proper management at the end-of-life. We are grateful for Dell’s recognition of our work and its support in hosting this important outreach event.”

“Finding both innovative and safe ways to dispose of electronic equipment is a true quality of life issue, and one that we’re dedicated to addressing here at the Department of Commerce,” said Commerce Secretary Bob Faith.

According to figures collected by the council, e-waste is growing rapidly, at three times the rate of municipal solid waste. In South Carolina alone, nearly 1.5 million electronic devices will be generated this year for disposal, and there are another estimated 4 million computers, TVs, VCRs, printers, faxes, and other household devices that are stored in people’s homes.

“People know throwing these items in the trash isn’t a good idea, but few outlets exist in South Carolina to recycle e-waste,” Campbell said.

Electronic equipment can contain a variety of toxic materials, including lead, mercury, brominated fire retardants, and, in older equipment, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A typical TV or cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor contains four to five pounds of lead. If not managed properly, e-waste can pose a threat to human health and the environment.

Currently, only Charleston County provides a permanent collection program for its residents to properly manage electronic waste. Several communities, such as Rock Hill and Anderson County, have held one-day events, and the Council worked with several organizations last year to host an e-waste collection in Irmo as part of its Earth Day festivities.

The council has played an active role in South Carolina to promote the development of a statewide electronics recycling infrastructure, modeling it after existing programs that have successfully diverted motor oil, tires, lead-acid batteries, and large appliances from the state’s landfills. The council is promoting proposed legislation under consideration by the General Assembly that would develop a statewide program to handle old electronic scrap.

“We hope the grant from Dell can help us further increase awareness of responsible end-of-life options for computers and encourage community leaders to develop a successful infrastructure to safely recycle discarded electronics,” Campbell said.

“Consumers need to realize that there is a cost associated with recycling unwanted electronics because of their hazardous components. Dell’s sponsorship of our collection has allowed us to make this service available to households in our community at no charge.”

Community partners working with the council include USC, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, Keep the Midlands Beautiful, Carolina Recycling Association, Palmetto Pride, and the city of Columbia.

Fluorescent and other mercury containing bulbs and lamps and rechargeable batteries also will be accepted. The collection is for residents only. Businesses wishing to recycle their unwanted computers and electronic scrap may call the council for more information at 737-0477 or 737-0239.

The S.C. Recycling Market Development Advisory Council supports programs and policies to create markets for recyclable materials. Made up of representatives from various recycling industries, local governments and the general public, the Council provides technical and economic development assistance to recycling businesses, industry, and other organizations.

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