What to Do With 'Stuff' Your Holiday Gifts Replaced
Published 01.10.2011
News
This week's Green Tip, courtesy of Penn College Energy Conservation Subcommittee via Earth911.com, is born of the challenge that each new year/new semester brings: finding space for thenew ... while dealing with where to put the old. Sixty-two percent of consumers bought electronics this holiday, according to Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Report. It is important to either reuse or recycle the outdated item/device being replaced. E-waste is generally considered anything that plugs into a wall or accepts batteries, and Americans generate about 2.2 million tons of it every year. Because these items contain a wide variety of potentially toxic materials (including lead, nickel and mercury), dumping in a landfill disturbs groundwater and soil. There are two good options for proper e-waste disposal: donation and recycling. Most retail storeaccept e-waste for free. For more information on recycling/donation solutions for this and other items such as toys, CDs, tapes, gift cards and clothing, visit online.