Fairbanks AK Recycling Event

In this case it is easy being green. Alaska Green Star is holding a fall recycling event this Saturday and Monday from 10:00AM - 4:00PM in the back parking lot of the Westmark Hotel on 8th and Noble (Google Maps Link). Green Star collected 12 tons from the recycling drive in April - a number they're hoping to match or exceed.

According to the National Safety Council approximately 41 million computers became outdated in 2004 and 63 million in 2005. That number was expected to reach upwards of 500 million in 2007. Research shows that 75% of outdated, unused computers are stored and awaiting disposal.

Electronic equipment contains a myriad of hazardous materials. A typical desktop computer contains between 2-4 pounds of lead, mercury, cadmium, copper, lithium, brominate flame retardants and phosphorus. Do something green and recycle your old unwanted electronics.

The electronics you turn in will be sorted and packed for shipment to a recycling center in Seattle (the closest recycling plant). Many of the materials in those old electronics items such as the plastics, glass, steel, gold, lead, mercury, cadmium and fire retardants can be recaptured for reuse. The recycling process separates CRT's and other equipment into component parts, some of which will be used to reduce our demand for raw materials and of course, reduce the amount of waste pouring into the landfill.

There is a nominal cost for disposing of your old electronics ranging from .50 cents to $38 depending on what you wish to recycle. A bulk discount was offered in April although no mention has been made of it for this even. Regardless, get together with your friends and colleagues and get rid of that old equipment you're not using.

Get involved. This is something we can all easily do to protect our pristine environment.

There are a few items that will not be accepted; video and audio cassette tapes, smoke detectors, loose batteries, vacuum cleaners, household electric appliances without a circuit board (toasters, vacuum cleaners, etc.). For more information please contact Interior Alaska Green Star at (907) 452-4152 or info@iagreenstar.org.