ADEQ extends electronic recycling program

UNICOR, a program of the federal prison system, and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) began "Project Green-Fed" last year as a free e-waste recycling program for all Arkansas residents. Private residents who want to recycle their obsolete computer equipment may contact UNICOR, which will ship residents a box, packing material and a return label at no expense. After the electronic equipment is packed, residents should call their local Federal Express office for a pick-up from their homes GÇô also at no charge. Federal Express will deliver the packed material to UNICOR, which will recycle it properly in their certified recycling facility. Items that will be accepted include: Computers, laptops, cell phones, peripherals, monitors, printers, fax machines and power supplies. The National Safety Council estimates that within the next five years, more than 250 million computers will become obsolete and will need to be disposed of properly. Land-filling and discarding this equipment improperly is harmful to the environment, and many states do not allow electronics in landfills. Electronic products often contain hazardous and toxic materials, such as lead, chromium, nickel and zinc, which pose environmental risks when disposed of improperly. Beginning in 2008, electronics will be banned from Arkansas landfills. (Copyright 2006 Newsroom Solutions, LLC)