An electronics recycling drive will take place April 20-23, on the city lot where aluminum cans and cardboard are currently being accepted, with the electronics’ Conex open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and locked evenings.
All electronics with a cord or battery are accepted!
Proper disposal of electronic waste preserves landfill space. Recycling of metals and other materials that can be hazardous to human health and to the environment also makes Cordova a safer place to live.. In addition, electronics are made with valuable materials such as precious metals, engineered plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to manufacture. If those items are tossed away, those resources cannot be recovered and additional pollution is created to manufacture new products from raw materials.
Hazardous materials found in electronics include cadmium, lead, and hexavalent chromium.
Cadmium, found in chip resistors, infrared detectors, and semiconductors, is toxic, persistent and can bio-accumulate in animal tissue. Its primary exposure pathway is through inhalation and ingestion. It particularly impacts the kidneys and is associated with bone disease.
Lead, found in glass panels, computer monitors, and circuit boards, can cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood systems, and kidneys. Lead also can have negative effects on children’s brains. It accumulates in the environment and effects plants, animals, and humans. It is estimated that consumer electronics are responsible for 40 percent of lead found in landfills. Lead leaches out of unlined landfills (like ours), and can contaminate our waterways, drinking water, and ultimately our subsistence food.
Hexavalent Chromium, used for corrosion control of untreated and galvanized steel, can damage DNA and has been linked to asthmatic bronchitis. The primary concern is landfill leachate and ash generated when burned.
Do your part and recycle your unwanted electronics instead of throwing them away.
Acceptable items include televisions, computers/monitors, printers, digital cameras, stereos, A/V equipment, cell phones, telephones, microwaves, speakers, VCRs, DVD and CD players, emptied vacuum cleaners.
Non-Acceptable Items include dishwashers, fluorescent light tubes, washing machines and dryers, refrigerators and smoke detectors.
The Native Village of Eyak would like to thank Alaska Marine Lines and the City of Cordova for their assistance with this project. For more information please call NVE at 424-7738.
