Media Release

1:03 p.m.

 

ALACHUA COUNTY - An Electronic Scrap (E-scrap) Collection Event targeting businesses is being held free of charge February 27-28 by Alachua County's Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) and Office of Waste Alternatives as part of their new E-scrap outreach program.  This program kick-off event will be held 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center, located at 5125 NE 63rd Ave. in Gainesville, two miles north of 39th Avenue off Waldo Road.

 

Electronic components often contain a variety of heavy metals and other substances known to pose hazards to human and environmental health when disposed of improperly.  Many of the components are highly recyclable.

 

"E-scrap is a growing concern from an environmental standpoint, and Alachua County has been at the forefront in the proper collection and recycling of unwanted or obsolete electronics since 1999," said Kurt Seaburg, Hazardous Waste Coordinator for ACEPD.

 

If the electronics cannot be reused by family and friends or donated appropriately, businesses and institutions can bring them to the two day collection event at no cost. Although the Hazardous Waste Program accepts E-scrap on a regular basis from businesses, there is normally a charge for the proper disposal of monitors and televisions. Also on site during the event will be The Dignity Project, a local non-profit organization that will accept higher value computer components for their program that repairs and donates complete, working computers to people with special needs.

 

Optional educational sessions will explain where and how E-scrap is recycled and what Alachua County is doing to protect our environment through proper end-of-life management of electronic waste.

 

A business card is required, and the County reserves the right to limit quantities businesses may drop off during the collection event.

 

The event is made possible through funding provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

 

For more information, call Kurt Seaburg, Hazardous Waste Coordinator at (352) 334-0440.

 

-30-