Simi Valley Landfill provides Simi Valley, Moorpark, Ventura and Thousand Oaks Recycling at Waste Management

Simi Valley, CA, August 29, 2008 - College students often leave home with gifts of a new computer, television or stereo. But it shouldn’t simply be “out with the old” in making these new electronics purchases: computers and other electronic products are the fastest growing — and among the least recycled — components of America’s waste stream.

A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that in 2005 used or unwanted electronics amounted to about 1.9 to 2.2 million tons. Of that, some 1.5 to 1.9 million tons was primarily discarded in landfills, and only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled. The EPA along with other federal agencies and private businesses, including Waste Management, has created programs to make recycling electronics easier.

“By recycling used, unwanted, obsolete or damaged electronic equipment, useful materials such as glass, metals and plastics may be recovered for reuse in other products,” said Mike Smith, General Manager for Waste Management of Ventura County. “Reuse minimizes the amount of waste disposed, while also reducing the amount of raw materials extraction and energy required to make new materials. Additionally, material reuse reduces the production of greenhouse gases.”

Locally, residents can recycle their used electronics by taking them to:

Waste Management/GI Industries at 195 W Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. No appointment required.

“Our goal is to make it easy for you to access e-cycling services that are customized, cost-effective and, most importantly, safe and friendly to the environment,” Lisa Hemenway, WM’s Community Relations Manager said.

For those with electronics that still have some use left in them but that they no longer want, another option for responsible reuse and recycling is Free’N Exchange, a new program provided by Greenopolis. This online marketplace is designed to help reduce waste and connect users with others in need of everyday items. The map-based application — which combines features from popular sites Craigslist, eBay and Freecycle — allows users to trade goods at no cost with other people in their geographic area and promotes reuse for items that would otherwise end up discarded.

“Free’N Exchange users can give and get great things for free, in an effort to keep unnecessary waste out of landfills,” Mike Smith said. “If you’re buying a new computer for back to school and no longer want your old one — but it still works fine — you can offer it up for free to another person or non-profit.”

Through Free’N Exchange, users can post, search and browse items available near their ZIP code. Users can also add items to a watch list and can post “wanted” ads for items that are not currently listed on the site. Though the site is open to anyone, its sponsors believe that launching the program, as student’s head back to school will provide a great opportunity to start the new year in an eco-friendly and budget-conscious way.

Free’N Exchange is a free service available through Greenopolis.com, an online community about sustainable living. To learn more about Free’N Exchange, click here.

To learn more about Greenopolis, visit greenopolis.com and information regarding trash and recycling services, visit www.KeepingVenturaCountyClean.com.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a "green power" program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.

Press Release