Faculty and staff are encouraged to start spring cleaning by safely disposing of their broken or unwanted personal electronics at the annual e-waste recycling event April 23-25.

The Office of Campus Sustainability is coordinating the three-day event, which is open to the public, local businesses and non-profits.

Accepted electronics include personal tablets, desktop and laptop computers, and televisions, as well as various other computer, audio-video and office equipment, and handheld devices.

Collections will occur at Pioneer High School and the State Street Commuter Parking Lot. Logistics for equipment drop off are:

• Businesses and nonprofits: April 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and April 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the State Street Commuter Parking Lot, 2694 S. State Street. Registration is recommended to ensure adequate staffing.

• General public: April 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd. The entrance is on Main Street at the corner of West Stadium.

“We are pleased to provide this service to the broader community because it benefits the environment and helps increase awareness of sustainable practices,” says Andy Berki, manager of the Office of Campus Sustainability. “We are optimistic that this event will follow previous years and have a strong turnout by the community.” 

According to the EPA, e-waste is still the fastest growing municipal waste stream in America. Rapid changes in technology, changes in media devices and falling prices have contributed to this fast-growing surplus of waste.

Electronics often contain toxic substances that can leak into groundwater and cause pollution. Properly recycling these materials reduces the opportunity of hazardous exposure and minimizes the dangers to human health and the environment.

“When equipment is still in working condition, we encourage individuals to explore reuse, resale or donation options before choosing to recycle their electronics,” Berki said. 

Local outlets and organizations that are interested in usable electronics are included in U-M’s Annual Sustainability Guide.

This is the eighth year the university and Ann Arbor Public Schools have sponsored the event. In 2014, approximately 5,000 vehicles arrived to recycle an estimated 200 tons of electronic waste.

The e-waste event brings awareness to the proper disposal of electronics and supports the university’s overall commitment to sustainability known as Planet Blue.

Tags:

• e-waste
• Planet Blue