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 As part of our ongoing efforts to help consumers recycle electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, WM and Sony Electronics Inc., partnered with Best Buy, Geek Squad and KARE-11, staged a multi-site electronics recycling drive in the Twin Cities. The two day event, held on April 11 and 12, amassed 4 million pounds of unwanted electronics. More than 42,000 Minnesota residents participated in the recycling drive, undeterred by some of the harshest weather of the season, making it the largest such event in state history.
 “We want to thank everyone from the Twin Cities area who helped to make the recycling drive such a success,” said Julie Ketchum, director of government affairs for Waste Management. “Despite the snow, sleet and high winds, participation was strong and we collected a record amount of material. The great turnout shows that when consumers are provided with a convenient and responsible way to dispose of their electronic waste, they will go out of their way to be part of the sustainability chain.”
The two-day recycling drive included five drop-off sites: the Canterbury Park Racetrack in Shakopee, the State Fair Grounds in St. Paul, the National Sports Center in Blaine, Grace Church in Eden Prairie, and the Ecolab Schuman Campus in Eagan. Of the five locations, the State Fair Grounds collected the most e-waste, with 1.2 million pounds of electronics for recycling. Participants in the drive received a discount coupon to attend EarthFest, A Party for the Planet , held on April 19 and 20 at the Minnesota Zoo.
“This kind of recycling drive is a great example of how we intend to lead the industry in environmental stewardship,” said Mark Small, vice president of environment, safety and health for Sony Electronics. “Twin Cities residents made the event a great success, and we are looking forward to upcoming recycling drives in Minnesota as part of our Take Back Recycling Program through the rest of the year.” By working with Sony on these special events, Waste Management is helping consumers properly manage their old electronics. “People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically,” said WM’s Ketchum. “We hope to collect as much recyclable material as possible through this free event. It is our way of demonstrating a shared commitment with the community, by providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship.” Waste Management has been collecting electronics in Minnesota for more than 10 years and has the largest electronics-recycling infrastructure in Minnesota, with 21 permanent e-waste collection sites across the state.
“Waste Management has unequaled experience with e-waste drop-off events,” said Joe Aho, senior manager of eCycling, WM Recycle America. “This two-day event was the largest and most comprehensive ever in the state of Minnesota, and the goal was to make it extremely convenient and easy for people who wanted to responsibly dispose of their used electronics.”
With constant advancements in home electronics technology, the amount of e-waste generated by the public is on the rise. And, as the FCC-mandated switch to all-digital TV signals in February 2009 gets closer, providing solutions for managing outdated equipment is becoming increasingly urgent. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, two million tons of e-waste ended up in landfills in 2005, while only about 380,000 tons were recycled. By recycling old electronics products, useful materials – such as glass, plastic and metals – can be collected and re-used in the manufacture of new products. The e-cycling events are part of Sony’s nationwide Take Back Recycling program. At the state level, Minnesota Best Buy is providing financial support for e-cycling, and views these events as an extension of its ongoing commitment to encourage consumers to take action with e-waste. A complete list of permanent WMRA eCycling Drop-Off Centers can be found at www.wm. com/sony/ or by calling 877-439- 2795.
Drop Off Locations on April 11th & 12th
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- Televisions
- Computers / CPU’s Laptops
- Computer Monitors
- Computer Peripherals (e.g. mice, speakers)
- Fax Machines
- Photocopiers
- VCR’s
- DVD Players / Recorders
- Printers
- Keyboards
- Cell Phones & PDAs
- ANY BUSINESS E-WASTE
- Microwave Ovens
- Thermometers
- Large Appliances (e.g. refrigerators, stoves)
- Any Unit Containing Sludge or Liquids
- Fire & Smoke Alarms and Detectors
- Dehumidifiers
- Non-Decontaminated Medical Equipment
More details to be announced soon!
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