Latest news with #eWaste
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CA Green Technology Initiative launches, bridging digital divide
( — The California Green Technology Initiative officially launched Monday morning in West Sacramento. The program looks to reduce e-waste and provides technology to Californians in need. The California Emerging Technology Fund kicked off the initiative at West Sacramento City Hall. The initiative will collect unwanted technology devices, refurbish them, and get them into the hands of residents who need them most. 'In the world of a digital era, and especially knowing that so many services these days are expected to be delivered digitally, we in the State of California felt that level of responsibility to make sure that we're doing everything that we could,' said Amy Tong, Senior Counselor to Governor Gavin Newsom. The goal of the California Green Technology Initiative is to reduce e-waste by repurposing old tech and distributing refurbished devices. 'The hope and the vision has been we're going to get everybody online in California. We have performance metrics where our goal in the next five years to get 99% of all Californians online,' said Sunne McPeak, President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund. 'It's pretty significant,' said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. Mayor Guerrero says many local families lack reliable, affordable internet access. 'We just have a lot of children who don't have access to the internet, including their families for work, and our elderly for those that need to get access to their medical services,' she said. 'What we continue to need to do is to establish affordable internet service here in West Sacramento.' The initiative does just that, working with local and state non-profits to provide free or low-cost devices to low-income households. McPeak says the program is targeting California's digital divide. 'Average in california, 91% of all households are online. For low income households, it's 84% of all households. So that gap between the average and any other segment of our population is called a divide,' she said. That gap is caused by barriers like poverty, language, and age. The initiative addresses those challenges not just through tech devices but also with digital literacy classes and support services. Technology is really only a tool. What gives it power is when people know how to use it. Sunne McPeak, President and CEO of California Emerging Technology Fund It's also a big win for the environment by reducing e-waste, while opening doors for residents across the state. 'They can save time, they can save money, the kids can do their homework at home. We can all connect to our doctor online if we want to. We can apply for a job, get a better job. That is our goal,' McPeak said. Here in Sacramento, Computers 4 Kids is the regional partner that's refurbishing devices and offering digital literacy classes. For more information on how to take advantage of this program, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Fires linked to lithium batteries have doubled. Why the delay in dealing with them?
Toxic smoke from the Abilities Group fire Photo: Supplied / Geordie Winlove Why is New Zealand plagued with fires involving lithium-ion batteries, and what's happened to product stewardship regulations for e-waste, including the lithium-ion batteries within laptops and mobile phones? In mid April, the Abilities Group recycling premises on Auckland's North Shore was engulfed in flames. Fire and emergency staff battled the blaze overnight. At one point two firefighters were stranded 10 to 15 metres mid-air when their truck malfunctioned, leaving them stuck in the basket at the top of the ladder, getting showered with burning embers. Neighbours of the suburban recycling centre were told to stay inside and close their windows to avoid toxic clouds of smoke. Two nearby beaches were closed due to potential toxic run-off contaminating the sea. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but speculation from a Fire and Emergency staff member was the culprit could be lithium-ion batteries. Two weeks later a fire broke out in a scrapyard in the Auckland suburb of Ōtara. Again, lithium-ion batteries were suspected. Until investigations are complete, we can't say for sure lithium-ion batteries caused the blazes. However, data collated by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) suggests the number of fires caused by these have more than doubled since 2020 growing from 51 in 2020 to 120 in 2024. So far this year 42 fires have been related to batteries The increase is due to the proliferation of the batteries, which are often found in devices which can be charged, such as mobile phones and laptops. They are also used in power banks, vapes, e-scooters, e-bikes and power tools. If damaged, defective or used incorrectly, these batteries can overheat, catch fire, and even explode. They're so combustible outdoor survival expert Bear Grylls used the battery from a waterlogged phone on his television show to start a fire. "As soon as I cut into the battery, that's going to expose the lithium to the oxygen and that mix of spark heat and oxygen is going to create fire," he tells the audience. A few cuts later white smoke jets out of the battery, and the handful of tinder he's prepared bursts into flames. This propensity for rapid combustion means batteries thrown in with regular rubbish, then later crushed or damaged, can become flashpoints for infernos. This is why fires at scrap yards and inside rubbish trucks have become more commonplace. Keeping batteries out of places where they're likely to get damaged - like landfill or scrap yards - is one way to reduce fires. There's a push to make producers take more responsibility for the products they create, especially when the disposal can cause issues. This might mean educating the public on battery disposal and ensuring there are enough convenient places to stop the batteries ending up in rubbish bins, and a process to safely store, transport and recycle the returned batteries. In some cases companies voluntarily opt to provide the public with options for returning goods when they reach their end of life, but in 2020 moves were made to make schemes compulsory for a range of problematic items. E-waste joined tyres, refrigerants and synthetic gases, farm plastics and agrichemical containers, plastic packaging and larger batteries, such as electric car batteries as priority products for the government. This meant regulated schemes would be set up under New Zealand's Waste Minimisation Act . The act requires product stewardship schemes be set up "as soon as practicable" for priority products, but doesn't give a deadline. To date, only one of the six priority products - tyres - has a regulated scheme in place. The Tyrewise scheme became operational September 2024. Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds told RNZ farm plastics and agrichemical containers were the current focus for the government. "I intend to progress schemes in a measured way to ensure they are well-considered and cost-of-living impacts are limited." She said there are no confirmed dates relating to the e-waste scheme. "The Ministry for the Environment is working with industry and stakeholders on the next steps. I have asked officials to keep me updated on progress, acknowledging that any proposed plan will require time to determine the next steps." Simmonds said the e-waste stewardship scheme hasn't stalled, but it's fair to say some confusion surrounds its current status. Members of a working group who were part of a e-waste product stewardship scheme design project, led by non-profit TechCollect, told RNZ they hadn't been updated since a report was submitted to the Ministry for the Environment in June 2023. "We never really got clear answers about why it wasn't progressing," said Kahurangi Carter. She's a Green party MP now, but at the time she was involved with the working group as a representative of Para Kore, a recycling and waste group with a focus on marae. She was one of 14 group members. Other working group members contacted by RNZ were also unaware of whether anything had happened since the report was submitted. "I'm not sure what happened to it," said Karen Driver, from the Zero Waste Network Aotearoa. Tim Findlay, former owner of Remarkit, a company which repurposed e-waste, said he has no idea what happened since the report was submitted. "I'm not sure what goes on behind the scenes," he said. "Certainly a lot of time and effort went into this latest paper." The paper Findlay was referring to was the 109 page report. It was headed up by not-for-profit TechCollect, who received $320,000 from a Waste Minimisation Fund to lead the design stage of a e-waste product stewardship scheme. TechCollect's head of operations Michael Dudley said the scheme didn't stall after the report was submitted to the Ministry for the Environment in 2023. "Good things do take time, and it has moved at a glacial speed, I suppose, but you know, that's the nature of product stewardship. It is a slow burn and it's important to get the foundations right from the outset." TechCollect spent just over a year completing further work and lodged an application to the Ministry for the Environment to be accredited to run the scheme. "We're in the midst of the assessment process at the moment, and it's an up to 16 week assessment process. So the ball is certainly in the Ministry's court for now," Dudley said. If the ministry's assessment is completed by July and TechCollect receives accreditation, Dudley expects the scheme could be up and running by July 2026. A pilot programme has been running for seven years as a voluntary scheme involving some of TechCollect's members, including well-known brands such as HP, Canon, Dell, and the Warehouse Group. The pilot programme has 39 collection points nationwide where people can drop e-waste free-of-charge. The waste is broken down into different components for reuse and recycling by partners TechCollect works with. Lithium-ion batteries are shipped offshore as there is no infrastructure to recycle them domestically. Dudley said only a "handful" of brands contribute to the voluntary scheme. "It would be fantastic if I had all of the sector and the members supporting us, because we could achieve such a larger scale. I've been having conversations with the sector for the last seven years, and our member base remains the same size that it is. Without regulatory intervention and unfortunately a stick, I don't think you're going to see all of the sector come and do the right thing, organically or voluntarily." If the recommendations in the report are implemented, it would mean a levy would be placed on all electronic products which are manufactured or imported to New Zealand. Dudley wasn't able to give an exact number for what the levy might be, saying the price would be dependent on how much material needed to be recycled. For the Tyrewise scheme the levy is based on the type and weight of tyre. A 9.5kg passenger car tyre has a levy of $6.65 plus gst. The money raised by the levy is used to cover the cost of recycling the product at the end of its life. Dudley described levy setting as a balancing act and said TechCollect has recommended frequent reviews of the levy to ensure it is not too high, or too low. Another member of the working group, Laurence Zwimpfer from the eDay New Zealand Trust, has spent decades trying to get a scheme underway. He said in 2006 he wrote a report for the Ministry for the Environment highlighting the need for a system to deal with e-waste. "We thought it would take six months. Now it's nearly 20 years and we still don't have anything in place." He said lithium-ion battery fires are a consequence of not having something in place. He was a little forlorn when he recently received yet another consultation document, this time asking about extended producer responsibility (EPR) rather than product stewardship. "It starts off: Do you support the proposal for a modern EPR framework?" The consultation is related to the government's work on proposed amendments to the Waste Minimisation Act. One of the key changes which are proposed is changing the product stewardship provisions with extended producer responsibility provisions. Zwimpfer explained the two terms are often used interchangeably, with EPR having more focus on producers paying for recycling, and product stewardship sometimes being more collaborative with community groups, or local authorities being involved in some way. "It's an insult to people that have been involved for 20 years in this process to now go back to say: Do people think this is a good idea?" He worries this new amendment might mean more delays to a formalised scheme. "We're waiting for government, really, and nothing's changed since 2008 when we told them that in 2008 that's still our position. We've got businesses to run. We can't spend all our day sitting around the table, going round and round in circles." Dudley sounds enthusiastic about the prospect of a scheme with a government "stick" behind it in the form of regulations. If TechCollect is successful he believes the public will see an increase in drop-off points from the current 39 to approximately 300. The need for recycling would be communicated with a nation-wide campaign. He said it's his understanding that applications already lodged would continue to be assessed under the current legislation, but he's also confident it meets objectives of an EPR focussed scheme. "We cannot kick the can down the road any further or delay. We've got the solution. We've got the goodwill of industry. Let's not waste it." Fire and Emergency New Zealand's community and education manager Tom Ronaldson said lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown out in the household rubbish and should be taken to a collection facility or a transfer station. These facilities, either run by councils or private entities can be found on a map created by WastMINZ. He urged people to only charge batteries when they are at home and awake and to avoid over-charging devices. "The toxic chemicals produced during a lithium-ion battery fire are harmful to people, so if a battery catches fire or makes unusual sounds like cracking or clicking, leave it immediately and call 111."
CNET
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNET
Don't Trash Your Old Tech: You Can Recycle Your Phone and Large Appliances for Free
You've just gotten a shiny new phone -- now what do you do with the old one? It might be tempting to shove your e-waste into a corner or toss it into a junk drawer, but eventually it all starts to pile up. Before long, you'll have to figure out where to dispose of your outdated tech. Just because you don't need your old phones and appliances doesn't mean you should condemn them to your in-home gadget graveyard -- or worse, the garbage. We all hang onto outdated tech for our own reasons, but there are also multiple ways to repurpose old devices for your smart home, using them as security cameras and more. Depending on the age and condition of your phone, you might even be able to get some cash back for it. Whatever the tech, when it's finally time to say goodbye, there's a right way to dispose of your old gadgets -- and there are a lot of wrong ways. We'll show you which is which. Before recycling your device, do this first If you're going to get rid of an old smartphone, make sure its data has been properly wiped before you sell or donate it. Back up anything you want off the device -- photos, videos, songs -- and then perform a factory reset. Where to recycle phones and appliances Here are the best places to recycle, repurpose or give new life to your old technology. Some locations will take not only small devices such as phones, but also large appliances such as washing machines and exercise bikes. If you succumbed to the siren song of the newest gadget, even if your current device wasn't on its last leg, we're not here to judge. Woot/Screenshot by CNET Best Buy Best Buy accepts a wide range of tech products and generally takes three items per house per day. Specifics may vary depending on where you live, but you can check with the state-specific recycling information dropdown menu on the site. Best Buy also offers a haul-away option for larger appliances such as TVs, dishwashers, freezers, microwaves, treadmills and exercise bikes. If you've ordered a new product, Best Buy will take away your old one for recycling. There's also a stand-alone haul-away option that costs $200. You can have two large items hauled away and an unlimited number of smaller items, with some exceptions. What you can recycle: Best Buy can take TVs, cables and chargers, media players, projectors, laptops, hard drives, webcams, cellphones, calculators, radios, landlines, headsets, vacuums, fans, ink and toner cartridges, alarm clocks, speaker systems, e-readers, video game consoles, memory cards, camcorders, digital cameras and GPS devices. Staples Office supply store Staples also offers free recycling options for old technology. Staples accepts up to seven items per customer per day. The company also has haul-away options, driver pickup and pallet pickup, and prepaid address labels available. What you can recycle: Staples can recycle accessories, adapters, cables, computers, cordless and mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, routers, tablets, webcams, ink and toner and other office tech items. If you don't want to recycle your tablet, there are places to donate technology. Amazon Home Depot Home Depot has an explainer on its website about how to safely dispose of dead batteries, old paint, electronics and other items, as well as tips for upcycling and repurposing. According to the services are drop-off only for residential customers. What you can recycle: According to Home Depot accepts household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V), lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, rechargeable household batteries, cell phones and LED light bulbs. See the Lasso At-Home Recycling Machine in Action See the Lasso At-Home Recycling Machine in Action Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 6:35 Loaded : 3.01% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 6:35 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. See the Lasso At-Home Recycling Machine in Action US Environmental Protection Agency The EPA doesn't handle recycling and drop-offs the same way other businesses do but it does have a handy guide that makes it easier to get the information you need. The EPA's directory breaks down donation and recycling by electronic device, company name, logo and any additional details. What you can recycle: Again, the EPA's directory links you out to specific companies and their policies but according to the list you can recycle and donate mobile devices, PCs and TVs, imaging equipment and supplies. Electronics Take-Back Coalition Like the EPA, Electronics Take-Back Coalition makes it easy to find manufacturer take-back programs in the US. You can browse more than 25 companies' take-back program summaries, including Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic and Sony. The Electronics Take-back Coalition doesn't handle the recycling but it can direct you to the proper resource for your needs. What you can recycle: Depending on the company, you can find places to turn in cameras, computers, DVD and VHS players, iPads, iPhones, keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, smartphones and TVs. Your laptop can be recycled, donated or repurposed. We'll tell you where to look. Josh Goldman/CNET Smartphone Recycling Smartphone Recycling lets you print a free FedEx shipping label or request a recycling kit. Ship your old smartphone and you might even get paid, depending on the device's condition and age. Smartphone Recycling accepts devices in bulk, so you have to ship a minimum of 10. Depending on how long you've been hoarding phones, you might meet this quota on your own. If not, check with friends and family and make it a group effort. What you can recycle: Smartphone Recycling accepts Apple Watches, cell phones, iPads, iPhones, iPods, MacBooks, smartphones and tablets, and batteries attached or installed in devices. EcoATM EcoATM gives you a price estimate for your old phone that you can lock in on the mobile app using your old device's IMEI number. EcoATM will ask a few questions about your device (brand, model, memory, carrier and condition) before generating a quote. From there, you can visit one of the organization's kiosks at Dollar General, Kroger and Walmart. What you can recycle: EcoATM can help with Google Pixel phones, iPhones, LG phones and tablets, MP3 players, Motorola phones, Samsung smartphones and tablets, and ZTE phones. You can also recycle chargers and cellular accessories like cases, but you won't be paid for them. Recycling for Charities Recycling for Charities accepts technology donations but gives a percentage of the device's value to the charity of your choosing. Scroll through a directory of charities, select one, enter the required information and click donate. Charities receive anywhere between 25 cents and $100 from your items. What you can recycle: Digital cameras, iPhones, iPods, Palm Pilots, PDAs, wireless cell phones and corresponding batteries, and wireless pagers. Call2Recycle Call2Recycle is a battery-focused recycling program. The organization offers drop-off options at Home Depot, Lowe's and Staples, and shipment boxes for batteries and cell phones. Drop-offs are free but recycling kits and shipment boxes cost between $45 and $115, depending on the size. What you can recycle: Rechargeable batteries such as Lithium Ion, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Nickel Zinc and Small Sealed Lead Acid weighing up to 11 pounds. Call2Recycle also accepts single-use batteries such as AA, AAA, 9V, C, D and button cell batteries weighing up to 11 pounds. The organization also accepts cell phones and their corresponding batteries regardless of size, make, model or age. For more information, check out five things you can recycle (and five things you can't), the right way to recycle plastic and the dos and don'ts of recycling metal cans.
Geeky Gadgets
12-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
3D Printing Replacement Parts : Philips Fixables a Solution to Broken Appliances?
What if the next time your favorite appliance broke, you didn't have to toss it in frustration or hunt for an expensive replacement? Instead, you could simply print the part you need—right at home or through a local service. With the launch of Philips Fixables, this vision is becoming a reality. By offering open source 3D-printing files for replacement parts, Philips is flipping the script on how we approach broken devices. This bold initiative not only enables consumers to take repairs into their own hands but also addresses a pressing global issue: the staggering 50 million tons of e-waste generated annually. It's a small but significant step toward a future where repairability is the norm, not the exception. In this overview, you'll discover how Philips Fixables is championing repairability and sustainability through innovative solutions like 3D-printed parts. From reducing waste to extending the lifespan of your devices, this initiative is about more than just convenience—it's about reshaping how we value and care for the products we use every day. Whether you're curious about the mechanics of open source repair files, the environmental benefits of a circular economy, or how this movement could inspire other manufacturers, there's plenty to explore. Could this be the beginning of a new era where fixing, not replacing, becomes second nature? Let's find out. Philips 3D Repair Initiative TL;DR Key Takeaways : Philips is promoting sustainability by offering open source 3D printing files for replacement parts, allowing consumers to repair and extend the lifespan of their devices. The initiative supports the circular economy by reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimizing the environmental impact of discarded devices. Consumers can easily access and use these 3D printing files with home printers or local services, fostering affordability, accessibility, and self-reliance in repairs. By prioritizing repairability, Philips reduces the need for new manufacturing, combats e-waste, and aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable practices. This approach sets a benchmark for sustainable innovation, encouraging other manufacturers to adopt similar strategies and empowering consumers to take an active role in maintaining their products. The Importance of Repairability Repairability plays a crucial role in Philips' strategy to enhance product longevity. Instead of discarding an entire device when a single component fails, you now have the option to replace individual parts. This approach significantly reduces waste, conserves valuable resources, and aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, a broken hinge or clip no longer necessitates throwing away an otherwise functional appliance. Instead, you can restore its functionality with minimal effort and cost. By prioritizing repairability, Philips ensures that you can keep your devices operational for longer, reducing the environmental impact of unnecessary replacements. How Open source 3D Printing Files Empower You Philips provides open source files that enable you to 3D-print replacement parts for your devices. These files can be used with a home 3D printer or through a local printing service, making repairs more accessible than ever before. By offering these files free of charge, Philips removes common barriers to repair, giving you greater control over maintaining your products. Whether it's a small clip or a critical component, these 3D-printed parts ensure your devices remain functional and valuable. This initiative not only saves you money but also fosters a culture of self-reliance and sustainability. Philips Fixables Reducing E-Waste with 3D Printing Expand your understanding of 3D printing with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Promoting Sustainable Practices Through Repair This initiative actively encourages sustainable practices by reducing the need for new manufacturing and minimizing waste. When you repair instead of replace, you contribute to a circular economy that prioritizes resource reuse and reduces environmental impact. Philips' approach aligns with global efforts to combat e-waste, a growing environmental challenge. By choosing to repair your devices, you help reduce the strain on natural resources and support a more sustainable future. This model benefits both the environment and your wallet, offering a practical solution to modern environmental concerns. DIY Repairs and the Circular Economy Philips' focus on DIY repairs aligns with the principles of the circular economy, which emphasizes keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. For you, this means fewer discarded devices and more opportunities to keep your appliances functional. The availability of 3D-printed parts makes it easier to address common wear and tear, making sure that your devices remain operational without the need for costly replacements. This approach not only conserves resources but also enables you to take an active role in maintaining your products, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Extending Product Lifespan Through Innovation The availability of 3D-printed parts directly contributes to extending the lifespan of Philips products. When you can easily replace a damaged component, there's less need to discard the entire device. This not only saves you money but also reduces the demand for energy-intensive manufacturing processes and resource extraction. By prioritizing repairability, Philips ensures its products remain valuable and functional for years, helping you maximize your investment. This approach demonstrates how innovation can be used to create practical solutions that benefit both consumers and the environment. Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Innovation Philips' commitment to repairability and sustainability sets a new standard for manufacturers worldwide. By providing open source files and encouraging DIY repairs, the company showcases how technology can address pressing environmental challenges. For you, this means greater autonomy in maintaining your devices and contributing to a more sustainable future. Philips' approach highlights how innovation can drive meaningful change in consumer habits and industry practices, inspiring other companies to adopt similar strategies. This initiative underscores the potential for sustainable innovation to create a positive impact on both the environment and everyday life. A Future Built on Repairability Philips Fixables represents a forward-thinking approach to repairability, sustainability, and product longevity. By offering open source files for 3D-printed parts, Philips enables you to take an active role in maintaining your devices. This initiative not only reduces waste but also supports the circular economy, making sure your products remain functional and valuable for years to come. Through this model, Philips demonstrates how sustainable innovation can benefit both the environment and consumers like you, paving the way for a future where repairability is a fundamental aspect of product design. Media Credit: Philips Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EWaste program comes to Williamson County for electronic waste removal
America's first mid-market e-waste franchise that specifically focuses on municipal and corporate recycling has created a new partnership with Williamson County. "The city of Franklin stepped up to collect eWaste for Williamson County residents over the past few years. Now, county residents no longer have to travel to the city to recycle, they have five new drop-off stations closer to home,' Solid Waste Director for Williamson County Mac Nolen said. City eWaste was started with the intention of finding a safe way to remove and recycle old electronics. Since 2018, the organization has helped over 242 businesses in the Middle Tennessee area. This partnership focuses on providing an efficient way for the county's citizens to dispose of their electronic waste. As a result, five secure drop-off stations are being created at convenience centers in Nolensville, Grassland, Fairview, College Grove, and the Williamson County Solid Waste Department. 'Keeping eWaste out of our Convenience Center trash will lessen the amount of solid waste going to the out of county disposal facility. This will be an opportunity for us to do the right thing,' said Nolen. According to City eWaste, each year, Americans discard about 6.9 million tons of electronics, yet only 15% is properly recycled. This creates a massive service gap that City eWaste closes by offering free and 100% secure electronics recycling programs to county and municipal entities of all sizes. 'If we can get even half of residents to drop off their ewaste in one of our designated bins across Williamson County, we can really do some good,' said Matthew Rogers, founder of City eWaste. 'Nothing is going to change until we can get this material to the right place.' The Franklin-based company is set to expand nationwide to aid other communities in the removal of their unwanted electronics. 'Everyone has a pile of electronics at home collecting dust,' added Rogers. 'Our job is to make getting rid of them feel like the simplest, easiest, and most secure option out there. By doing so, we're closing an enormous residential recycling gap that's gone ignored for far too long.' Drop-Off Locations and Hours ● Williamson County-Solid Waste Department, 5750 Pinewood Road. Opening Hours: 7am-3:30pm M-F ● Grassland Convenience Center, 1495 Sneed Road West. Tel: 615-371-1697. Opening Hours: 7am-5pm M-F ● Nolensville Convenience Center, 1525 Owen Road. Tel: 615-776-2717. Opening Hours: 7am-5pm M-F ● College Grove Convenience Center, 6520 Arno-College Grove Road. Tel: 615-368-7181. Opening Hours: 7am-5pm M-F ● Fairview Convenience Center, behind Fairview Recreation. Tel: 615-799-8311. Opening Hours: 7am-5pm M-F For more information, visit: This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Williamson County partners with eWaste for electronic waste removal
