Free e-waste drop-off at La Mariposa
It's illegal to trash TVs, computer monitors
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Camarillo residents can dispose of old computer monitors, cellphones, fax machines and other electronics free of charge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, Sat., Jan 10, at La Mariposa Elementary School, 4800 Corte Olivas. Any electronic item, except for household appliances, will be accepted.

The elementary school is partnering with G & C Technologies and the city of Camarillo to collect and recycle electronic waste. In California, it's illegal to put TVs and computer monitors in the trash.

Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to La Mariposa.

Principal Pam Gonzalez said e-waste collection was chosen as a fundraiser for two reasons: It's a novel approach, and the school promotes recycling. Students are encouraged throughout the year to bring in items such as plastic bags, bottles, cans, newspapers and batteries to school for recycling.

James Chambers, G & C Technologies' vice president of sales and operations, said all the electronic items it collects will be reused or recycled.

Electronic products contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which can contaminate air and water. G & C is state-certified to collect and properly dispose of e-waste. The company will first assess which electronics can be repaired at its Camarillo Street warehouse and sold at its retail store in Old Town Camarillo. Items that can't be repaired will be dismantled and the metal, plastic and other components sent to a statecertified recycling center.

"Everything can be recycled," Chambers said.

A few free e-waste collections around the country have reportedly come under fire because some of the collected electronic products have been shipped to developing countries, where their components are sent to junk yards.

It happens in California, too, even though the state requires certification to accept and dispose of electronic waste, said Barbara Kyle, national coordinator for the San Francisco-based advocacy group Electronics TakeBack Coalition.

Federal law permits the export of old electronics to developing countries, and state law isn't strong enough to prevent it, Kyle said.

How can you know if a recycler is in fact recycling electronic components?

"You don't." Kyle said. "That's the problem."

She said the nonprofit plans to introduce federal legislation this year that would ban the export of toxic ewaste materials to developing countries.

Chambers said his company does not sell electronics to other countries and controls the destiny of most of the electronic components by dismantling the units itself.

"That's how I'm so confident," Chambers said.

If you miss the ewaste collection event, G & C Technologies accepts e-waste throughout the year, or visit www.erecycle.org or www.earth911.com for a list of electronic waste recycling centers.

In related news, residents can dispose of pesticides, car batteries, oil-based and latex paint and other hazardous chemicals through the city's Hazardous Household Waste Drop-off, scheduled for today and tomorrow. An appointment is necessary, and pickup service is available for disabled homebound residents.

Call (805) 987-0717 or fill out a request form online at www.ci.camarillo.ca.us.

The city schedules hazardous household waste collections the second Friday and Saturday of each month.