Sousa to Host E-Waste Collection Event

In the information age, the improper disposal of our unwanted electronic appliances, whether they're outdated or have simply seen better days, has become increasingly more harmful to the environment. Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman is hoping to change that with e-waste collection events being staged throughout the area.

"Improperly disposed of, electronic products — which often contain lead, mercury and arsenic among other toxins — could, if land filled, contaminate underground aquifers, Long Island's primary source of drinking water," Kaiman said.

E-waste consists of any unwanted home appliance or electronic device that would be plugged in, excluding the bigger appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and refrigerators, all of which have very specific disposal instructions.

The Town of North Hempstead recycled 98 tons of e-waste last year, and has taken in 18 tons already this year, including 15 tons at the recent e-waste events. These e-waste collections, throughout the month of January, have taken place at the Herricks Community Center (Jan 11-12), Great Neck North Middle School (Jan. 13-14), and Manhasset Middle/High School (Jan. 14-15).

The final e-cycling collection event of the month will be held right in our backyard, at Sousa Elementary School on Wednesday, Jan. 20, and Thursday, Jan. 21 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We want the town's residents to know when and where they can dispose of their unwanted and unused electronics," Kaiman said.

Part of the groundbreaking, award-winning School Recycling Partnership Program, this e-waste initiative is made possible through a partnership between the town and the schools in each district. While the e-waste program was originally created by Supervisor Kaiman and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, the School Recycling Partnership Program was the supervisor's vision. Collected electronic waste is hauled off by the town's current e-waste recycler, e-Scrap Destruction, who disassembles the items, salvages the useable parts, separates out potentially damaging materials such as cathode ray tubes, and sells recyclables.

"It's a partnership between the schools and the town to educate people properly on how to dispose of their appliances," said Francis Reid, the Town of Hempstead's Director of Environmental Planning. "We started in schools because once the kids know better, they can in turn talk to their parents about it."

By having locations at schools throughout the Town of North Hempstead, Reid said that people will have the chance to bring their unwanted electronics to a disposal center closer to home. "With two days in each of the schools, citizens will have plenty of ample time to bring their electronics to the schools and have them disposed of properly," Reid said.

Kaiman added, "We're kind of taking the show on the road." Currently, e-waste disposal is available to residents every Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the drop-off facility located at 999 West Shore Road in Port Washington.

With the holiday season over, and many people enjoying their brand new iPods, Blu-Ray players and computers, Reid said residents need a place to throw out their older models. "After the holidays is the best time for this event," Reid explained, "because it is assumed that many people get electronics for the holidays."
 
While many residents might consider donating unwanted electronics that are still in good condition to needy families and institutions, Kaiman said this could pose problems. "We're working with several charitable organizations to try and make donating a reality," he said. "But this will prove difficult, considering when you donate a computer you'd want to make sure that all of your personal information is wiped off the hard drive."

Kaiman said he looks at e-cycling as a win-win situation. "On behalf of basements everywhere, I urge you to recycle your electronic waste," Kaiman said. "It's a win, win undertaking, freeing up valuable space while at the same time protecting the environment."

For more information on e-waste disposal, call 311 if you live within the Town or North Hempstead or (516) 869-6311, if you live outside its boundaries.