Electronics making their way to centers

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June 28, 2008

A Word About Recycling

By Ollie & Gloria Maier The San Marcos Record Sat Jun 28, 2008, 02:04 PM CDT

Last week we mentioned how Dell and Goodwill are working together on recycling computers and that the Austin Goodwill was getting such computers from 15 counties, including Hays.

We said we would try to get more info on it... which we did.

Talking to Christine Banks, we found out the Austin Goodwill takes in 250 tons of electronics each month from Goodwill stores and some state agencies in the 15 county area. (At first, I thought she said 250 units, but she corrected me saying it was 250 tons... which is a lot of computers, printers and other such items.)

The outdated and repairable computers are fixed and updated, then placed in their Goodwill computer store for sale to the public. (Things can be purchased there at a very reasonable price. We know, we checked them out.) Those that aren't repairable are broken down into their various components and are recycled.

"Nothing from them goes to the landfill," Christine explained.

(It is great that Dell and Goodwill have such a program... making sure all recycled computers are put to good use. Either allowing some who need a computer but cannot afford a new one to get one at a very reasonable cost, or making the parts of the older computers available where needed. All this while making some Goodwill workers, who may not have a job otherwise, employed.) Locally, because a number of you use the Green Guy Recycling Services drop-off site (it's always nice to see a half dozen or so vehicles bringing things in whenever we go there to recycle), we try to let you know how much material you good people are bringing in there each month.

Figures for the

month of May are:

• Metals (iron, steel, aluminum, etc.) 1,326,055 pounds

• Cardboard 88,730 pounds

• Paper 83,660 pounds

• Glass 16,740 pounds

• Plastic 9,145 pounds

In addition to this, they also took in 615 gallons of used oil and about 200 used oil filters. As you know, they also take car batteries, tires and printer cartridges.

(It's always pleasing to know this much material is being kept out of the landfill and put to good use instead.)

Till next week, do have a great one... (and do have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July).

Gloria and Ollie are local citizens concerned with the environment and helping others. Ollie is a graduate of Leadership San Marcos and they both received higher education at TxState University and worked on staff before retiring. For questions or comments, please call them at 353-7432 or e-mail them to omaier@TxState.edu

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