Free recycling of TVs,
computers, laptops and monitors started Jan. 2, with Port Townsend's Goodwill
serving as a participant in the statewide effort.
Goodwill accepts all
electronic equipment, including keyboards, printers, other peripherals and cell
phones. Donations to the nonprofit agency are also tax
deductible.
"Participating in the program is in keeping with Goodwill's
reduce, reuse and recycle efforts," said Eric Hulscher, Goodwill operations
manager overseeing the program.
Hulscher noted that donors could take
their time and bring in donations at their convenience. "This is a permanent,
ongoing program, not a one-day event," he said.
SEATTLE - Hong Kong intercepted and returned 41 ship
containers to U.S. ports this year because they carried tons of illegal electronics waste from the U.S., according to the Hong Kong Environmental
Protection Department.
By turning the containers away, Hong Kong thwarted attempts
by U.S. companies to dump 1.4 million pounds of broken TVs or computer monitors
overseas and an estimated 82,000 pounds of lead, a known toxin, in the
devices.
But thousands of other shipments probably slipped through,
says Jim Puckett, head of the Basel Action Network, or BAN, a three-employee
environmental non-profit that over eight years has become a respected watchdog
over the rapidly growing electronics recycling industry.