New York City has introduced a new e-waste collection scheme ahead of its ban of the disposal of e-waste in household waste due to come into effect in 2015.
According to sanitation commissioner, John J. Doherty, the e-cycleNYC scheme is the “most innovative and comprehensive electronics recycling service offered in the nation”.
Under the new program, buildings with at least 10 units can a free receive on-site collection of stored electronic devices – including TVs, monitors, computers, laptops and small servers, among others.
The Sanitation Department said that the program is perfect for New York City, where 50% of the population lives in apartment buildings without easy access to vehicles, and that there are currently 51 sites (representing 12,463 units) enrolled in the program.
For participating buildings, there are three service options available: room cleanouts (for buildings with at least 10 units), storage bins (for buildings with at least 50 units), and outdoor electronics recycling events (for buildings with at least 250 units).
“It is a very convenient and easy way for residents to participate; we are pleased, committed and ready to do our part to help the environment” said Bob Ricken, president, North Shore Towers Board of Directors.
The Department also noted that in 2015, it will be illegal for New York City residents to discard their electronics in the household waste, and that by enrolling in e-cycleNYC, NYC buildings can get ahead of the regulations by establishing an easy, free, and convenient collection service.
Public Private Partnership
The program is a public private partnership between the NYC Department of Sanitation and Electronic Recyclers International.
The Sanitation Department explained that the programme is free for taxpayers and participating buildings, and is fully funded by electronics manufacturers as required by the New York State Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act.
The Department added that electronic waste represents the largest and fastest growing harmful component in our residential waste stream and has increased by over 80% since 2000.
For this reason, it said that it choose a vendor which is dual certified to ensure electronic equipment is handled and recycled in the most responsible manner.
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