California Agency Reports Successful E-Scrap Recycling Program

The California Integrated Waste Management Board reported that close to one million pounds of electronic scrap was collected for recycling at 45 collection events at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores during Earth Day weekend celebrations. Earth Day programs were held late last month.

The events themselves were put together in partnership with both the CIWMB and local recycling firms.

"The nearly one million pounds of e-waste collected from Californians statewide over the weekend demonstrates the great need to continue consumer education and awareness of how to safely dispose of e-waste," said Margo Reid Brown, CIWMB Chair. "Earth Day -- and everyday -- should be an opportunity to reuse, refurbish or recycle your electronics."

The CIWMB reports that the total weight of covered e-waste collected in 2005 was about 65 million pounds. In 2006, the total weight of covered e-waste collected more than doubled from 2005 to approximately 129 million pounds.