CBF Offers Electronics Recycling Event at ODU

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) will provide a new way for Hampton Roads residents to get involved in the 20th Annual Clean the Bay Day event with a free electronic waste recycling event hosted by Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, VA, June 4-7, 2008.

A logical new dimension to CBF's annual Clean the Bay Day litter clean-up, this unique electronics recycling event is offered as a preventative measure to reduce the amount of electronic waste that causes chemical and other toxic pollution when dumped into landfills and waterways.

"Because electronic waste is such a huge environmental problem, CBF is proud to sponsor this recycling event as part of the 20th annual Clean the Bay Day," said Will Baker, CBF President. "This is the environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted electronics and protect our surface and groundwater. We hope people in Hampton Roads will take advantage of this opportunity. It will help save the Bay."

Robert L. Fenning, ODU Vice President for Administration and Finance said: "Having this event on campus illustrates another facet of our on-going green initiatives here at ODU. From research to education to community activism, we remain committed to increasing environmental awareness and working toward a greener future."

There are two aspects of the electronics waste event: one for organizations and one for individuals. June 4-6 are the days designated for businesses, schools and organizations to drop off their unwanted equipment. These organizations must PRE-REGISTER in advance at: cleanthebayday.poweron.com. General public drop-off is scheduled for Saturday, June 7. No pre-registration for the general public is required and there are no residency restrictions. Collection times are 9:00 -3:00 p.m. for each day of the event.

The drop-off location is Parking Lot #43 on the ODU Norfolk campus, at the intersection of 43rd Street and Powhatan Blvd. (between Powhatan Fields and the ODU Facilities Management Building.)

Participants are assured that all data on recycled computerized equipment will be shredded mechanically to guarantee security. Additionally, the collection/disposal method is environmentally sound. Discarded items will go directly to Metech, an environmentally responsible electronic waste recycling company in Massachusetts which does not ship discarded electronics overseas.

Acceptable items for recycling include: computer systems and accessories, audio/visual equipment, cell phones and fax machines, and handheld communications devices. More information about acceptable items can be found on line at occs.odu.edu/ewaste/.