University collects 20,000 pounds during E-Waste event

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
April 30, 2010

Texas State University-San Marcos partnered with hazardous waste services provider PSC Environmental Services (PSC) and the City of San Marcos for a successful, electronics waste recycle day April 17.

The San Marcos community brought more than 20,000 pounds of electronic waste (e-waste) to the collection event despite rain throughout the day. Approximately 170 participants brought in an average of 120 pounds of electronic waste each. Texas State and PSC worked with the Home Depot and many local sponsors to provide materials, equipment, in-kind services and monetary contributions to support the event.

More than 60 volunteers from 18 Texas State departments, the City of San Marcos and six private industries worked together as a team to support the community in protecting the environment. Most of the collected items will be recycled at facilities located within the United States by reselling working items and “demanufacturing” the old, non-working equipment to component level, processing the components back into raw materials for use in new products. Additionally, about 30 computers needing rehab were donated to the Computers for Learning Program.

Many states already ban disposal of e-waste in municipal landfills due to the harmful heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury. Fortunately most of the materials in e-waste (plastic, glass, metals and precious metals) are highly recyclable and have value if handled properly. This effort shows the commitment of Texas State and the City of San Marcos to offer more recycling options that lead to a more sustainable community.