Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty last week launched “e-cycleNYC,” a new electornics re-cycling program for multiple-family buildings.
In partnership with Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the department is recruiting buildings with more than 10 units to enroll in the program that will allow residents to easily fling out their old televisions, air conditioners and walkmans.
New York has the lowest electronics recycling rate in the state, most likely, the experts says, because many don’t have cars to transport the bulky junk.
Under e-cycleNYC, enrolled buildings can opt for on-site collection bins, room clean outs or whole building events when the items will be transported from the building by experts.
And best of all, it’s free, thanks to funding from several major electronics manufacturers.
“Recycling electronic equipment keeps harmful materials out of NYC’s waste stream and the environment,ˮ said Commissioner Doherty.
“While safe to use, electronics often contain lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials and in fact make up the largest and fastest growing component of the hazardous materials entering our waste stream.”
In choosing a partner, DSNY required that all materials be handled in an environmentally responsible manner that ensured that none of the electronics accepted would be landfilled nor exported illegally.
Through its agreements with electronics manufacturers, ERI domestically recycles some200 million pounds of electronics annually.
All seven of its processing facilities comply with the strict industry and environmental standards.
“It’s a tremendous honor and privilege for ERI to be partnering with the great City of New York and providing responsible, effective recycling of its electronic waste for the next 15 years,” said John Shegerian, chairman and CEO of ERI.
The State alreayd has an Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act that encourages tresidents to take their old electronics to various sites, including Best Buy, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Staples.
By launching the new electronics recycling program now, the department of sanitation hopes to have most buildings enrolled before a ban on disposing of electronics in the residential trash takes effect in 2015.
