32 Tons Recycled in Napa E-Waste Event

, in partnership with (NRWS) and , collected over 32 tons of unwanted computer equipment, televisions, telephones and other electronic junk for proper reuse and/or recycling at the City’s 11th annual .

Nearly 10 tons of appliances were also collected to be sent to scrap metal recyclers. Napa’s events continue to bring in some of the highest per capita electronic waste collection totals in the country.  

The event offered the opportunity to recycle “Anything with a Cord,” such as computer equipment, television and stereo equipment, telephones and fax machines, metal appliances, and smaller kitchen and household appliances. All e-waste and appliances were accepted free of charge, and nearly 700 vehicles dropped off material during the two-day event on June 10 and June 11.  

Electronic equipment can be harmful to the environment and human health if not properly recycled and it is illegal to throw electronic items in the trash because of the environmentally sensitive materials they contain. A typical television or computer monitor, for example, contains seven pounds of lead.  

The electronic waste dropped off at the event was first screened for potential reuse by two local non-profit organizations – Napa Valley Computers to Schools and Computer Recycling Center. Both organizations refurbish and donate working equipment to schools, community organizations and others in need. These two groups collected nearly 3 tons of equipment for reuse.  

Electronics collected that were not reusable will be shipped and processed for recycling by Fresno-based Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the largest recycler of e-waste in North America. ERI is approved by the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Toxic Substance Control as an authorized electronics recycling outlet, and has a state- of-the art system to ensure the integrity of the equipment as it is processed for recycling. Electronic Recyclers International is also certified by the E-Stewards program.  

Residents who missed the collection event can drop-off anything with a cord daily at no charge at the Napa Recycling & Composting Facility, located at 820 Levitin Way, off of Highway 29 just north of the City of American Canyon.  More information on City of Napa Recycling-Solid Waste Division topics can be found at www.cityofnapa.org/recycle, and NRWS program information is available at www.naparecycling.com.