SOS Promotes its E-Cycle Program

The onset of technology and the increased use of computers in homes and offices created the problem of what to do with what is now termed ‘e-waste.’ For years, people threw their computers and components into the trash or dropped them off at the dump. But when left in the landfill or incinerated, these products became hazardous to the health of both people and the environment.

At present, computer monitors and televisions make up 40% of all lead and 70% of all heavy metals found in landfills. The goal is to significantly reduce these numbers.

In an effort to keep harmful contaminants out of the waste stream, recycling efforts at SOS are directing e-waste away from landfills. The company is working with the Oregon E-Cycles program to provide free recycling for computers, monitors and televisions.

To comply with Oregon’s Electronics Recycling Law, computers must be enclosed — without any disassembled parts. Monitors and television screens cannot be cracked. People can also recycle keyboards, printers, copiers, scanners, cell phones and other electronics and appliances for a fee.