Virginia Begins e-Cycling Program

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has announced the launch of its "e-Cycling" program, aimed at establishing a sustainable method for disposing of electronics equipment.

Through the e-Cycling project -- which was organized in cooperation with the U.S. EPA -- localities in Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are asked to collect unwanted electronics from small businesses, residents, and small government offices for refurbishing or recycling.

An initial year-long pilot phase of the project will offer states the chance to develop the necessary infrastructure to collect and recycle the equipment.

"The need for electronics recycling has been growing for the past several years," said Robert Burnley, director of Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality. "We're now taking a big step forward to encourage proper disposal or recycling of electronic equipment. As this project moves ahead, we will help ensure the safety of our landfills for years to come."

Currently, the project has four participants in Virginia: Frederick County, Wise County, Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, and Virginia Beach. Industry partners are represented by the Electronics Industry Alliance, an organization that helps industry members develop recycling strategies for electronic components.

Virginia Beach launched its e-Cycling program on May 11, when it set up a recycling drop-off center for electronic equipment. Frederick County is scheduled to officially launch its program at the beginning of June.