Got a new computer for Christmas and wondering how to recycle the old one?
Keep it out of the landfill and help the environment by recycling it Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Staples off North Peters Road (8913 Town and Country Circle).
"With technology constantly changing, many computer users have older, discarded systems," said Mayor Bill Haslam." All computers and cell phones contain hazardous materials, and Computer Recycling Day gives residents an opportunity to properly dispose of their old systems."
City of Knoxville and Knox County residents who bring towers, monitors and laptops to be recycled will be registered to win a new computer donated by Staples. CD-ROMS, keyboards and computer manuals will also be accepted.In addition, cellular phones can also be donated to the Knoxville Recycling Coalition.
Computers in good working order will be donated to Goodwill Industries' vocational training programs, and donors may request for a receipt for a tax deduction. Last year's event diverted more than 26 tons of computer parts from landfills. Only computers from residential households will be accepted.
Members of Company D, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, U.S. Marine Reserve will be available to assist citizens with the drop off. Other sponsors include the City of Knoxville, Knox County, FedEx Ground, Staples, Farragut Optimist Club, 5R Processors, Event Rentals, Rock-Tenn Recycling, SP Recycling, Goodwill Industries-Knoxville Inc. and WBIR, Channel 10.
Computers and electronics are among the most rapidly growing segments of the solid waste stream, and pose a special concern because of possible hazardous and toxic materials content, including lead, cadmium, mercury, silver and nickel.
Household computers are accepted regularly at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center, 1033 Elm St., from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Businesses may also recycle up to 25 computers per month at the center for $7 per monitor and $3 per PC. Larger businesses, those with 100 computers or more, should contact the 5R Processing Center 865-457-1621 for proper disposal options.