E-waste in Los Osos

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Los Osos!

As of June 2009, they have collected over 20 tons of e-waste.  40,000 pounds of  computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines and cell phones were the common electronic products collected on a Saturday morning in January or June.  Some of these items would have remained in garages, the side of the road or our local landfills.  Of the 40,000 pounds, 26% silica or glass, 23% plastics, 20% Ferrous metal, 14% aluminum, and 17% of various metals including lead, cooper, zinc, mercury and cadmium.

It is a good idea to look at e-waste not as waste, but as resource. Useful materials such as glass, copper, and aluminum, plastic and other components can often be extracted and reused. Some manufacturers have even referred to e-waste as a valuable source of materials.  

This is the Club's Community Service Project and fund-raiser.