The state of California prohibits consumers from tossing out unwanted television or computer monitors, because electronic items have toxic elements (lead and mercury,) which leak hazardous waste into landfills. By law, such products must now be recycled properly and in ways that won’t harm the environment.
To help consumers with recycling, retailer Save Mart in northern and central California planned a collection drive for those old electronics on 24 and 25 February 2007 at six locations. Old computers, television sets, VCRs, stereos and other out-dated, unusable or unwanted electronic items are all appropriate for handing in.
The event is designed to provide consumers the opportunity to finally get rid of those old unwanted items, long since replaced and gathering dust in garages. The program is part of Save Mart’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.
“In an attempt to help their customers and the environment, Save Mart has become proactive in its efforts to collect electronic waste over this two-day, six-location event,” the retailer announced. Electronics collected will then be trucked away and recycled by Fresno-based Electronic Recyclers, the largest recycler of electronic waste in California and Save Mart’s partner for this event.
“We’re extremely proud to be partnering with Save Mart for this special program,” said John S. Shegerian, chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers. “Save Mart is an organization that has been very progressive in terms of environmental concerns and this electronic recycling event is a further example of their commitment. They are helping their customers and the community become more environmentally responsible by offering them a convenient way to safely dispose of their old electronics.”
Californians (about 37 million) replace hundreds of thousands of TVs, computers, monitors and other electronic devices each year. Plus, they store literally millions more that are not used any more in homes, garages and businesses. Electronic products contain valuable resources such as metal, plastic and glass, which can and should be recycled instead of thrown away.
Save Mart Supercenters are located in Tracy, Milpitas, Modesto, Madera, Clovis, and Tehachapi.
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