University staff and faculty, along with the help of the local community, contributed to the collection of 206 tons of electronic waste during the sixth annual e-waste recycling event.
An estimated 2,480 vehicles passed through the drop-off locations last month during the three-day event, April 25-27. The community’s collective efforts filled 17 semi-trailers with recyclable electronics including laptops, desktops, televisions, microwaves and more.
“This event has become a welcomed service and well attended event by the community,” said Barbara Hagan, sustainability administrator the Office of Campus Sustainability. “People look forward to attending each year and disposing of their electronics in an environmentally responsible manner.”
Hosted by the Office of Campus Sustainability in partnership the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the event is designed to help area residents, small businesses and non-profits dispose of electronics in an earth-friendly way.
Following the event, equipment is properly disassembled, shredded and recycled into raw materials to be reused to manufacture new items.
Since 2008, the event has filled a combined total of 106 semi-trailers, and diverted a total of 1,374 tons of electronic waste from local landfills.
E-waste is the fastest-growing type of waste in the country and frequently contains hazardous materials like lead and mercury, which can adversely affect the environment.