It is estimated that over 65 million computers were retired last year. Photos Submitted
E-cycling is not a typo. More than merely “recycling” without the “r,” e-cycling is a rapidly growing segment in the environmental sector aimed at keeping the hazardous waste contained in consumer electronics out of landfills and waterways. It’s estimated that 65 million computers were retired last year, many containing such toxic material as mercury, lead and cadmium, which otherwise might end up in local landfills or be shipped overseas for disposal.
In keeping with its commitment to green issues, Whole Foods Market has partnered with E-Cycle Environmental, a company that specializes in the growing electronics recycling field. Both companies invite locals to bring their used and obsolete electronics to the Whole Foods Market parking lot this Saturday, Jan. 26 to unload their unneeded cell phones, televisions and sundry other consumer electronics. Best of all, it’s free.
“What’s cool about E-Cycling is that they separate out the metal from the plastic in their system and they shred everything. They aren’t sending it overseas – they’re recycling it domestically,” said Rachal Cyphers, Sonoma’s Whole Foods Market in-store marketing and community relations representative. “That’s the biggest reason Whole Foods wanted to work with them. It’s a big deal because a lot of companies are sending this type of recycling overseas.”
The commitment to environmental issues at the organic foods juggernaut is comprehensive, explained Cyphers. “We have a ‘green mission specialist’ in every region who address things like this,” she said. “We also have a Green Mission Awareness Group, which we call GMAG – we’re kind of big on acronyms around here. We have reps from each department to see through things like our composting and recycling, and making sure departments are getting it correct.”
Among the e-cyclables accepted at E-Cycle Day are computer monitors, copy and fax machines, printers, telephones, scanners, batteries of all stripes and cords galore as well as CD and DVD players. E-Cycle Environmental will even accept the media for the electronic devices including CDs, DVDs and all kinds of magnetic tape.
“I got a call from a woman who wants to bring in a bunch of old videotapes,” Cyphers said. “We accept most electronics except for stoves, refrigerators and freezers – but microwaves are okay. They can be working and non-working condition. I’ve seen people bring in the most random stuff. A lady called and asked to bring in a halogen lamp, which is fine.”
Apart from the two massive trucks collecting used electronics in the front of the Whole Foods Market parking lot, attendees can also expect refreshments and myriad vendor displays.
“The other cool thing is that we take cell phones and batteries in the store everyday. We have a little bucket on our ‘Take Action Center’ that you can drop them in and we send them to E-Cycle Environmental at the end of every month,” said Cyphers, who noted that the E-Cycle Day is extended to all Whole Foods Markets in Sonoma County, every third month, for free.
Locals can e-cycle their old electronics from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26 at Whole Foods Market, 201 W. Napa St., Sonoma. For more information, visit WholeFoods.com or call 707.938.8500.
