E-waste drop-off Saturday; new service announced

California State University, Fresno’s pioneering e-waste collection program marks its first anniversary Saturday, Jan. 20, with a drop-off day for unwanted electronic waste and an announcement of a new service for senior citizens and disabled residents.

Saturday’s drop-off will be from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Parking Lot S, south of Bulldog Stadium off Bulldog Lane (west of Cedar Avenue). TVs and computer monitors will be accepted without charge. Other e-waste is subject to a 25 cents-a-pound fee.

Fresno State was the first university in California to be registered as a collector of e-waste, participating in a program with Fresno-based Electronic Recyclers.

The effort began in 2006 as state law went into effect prohibiting disposal of computer components, cell phones, television and computer monitors and other electronic gear through curbside pickup. In the past year, hundreds of central San Joaquin Valley residents have come to the campus to dispose of unwanted electronic gear.

Next month, the university will offer free pickup of unwanted television sets and computer monitors for senior citizens and disabled residents in the Fresno/Clovis metropolitan area. Other e-waste cannot be accepted in the pickups.

Student-athletes from the Fresno State football team will volunteer their time for the project.

“Homebound senior citizens and the disabled may have old television sets and monitors they would like to get rid of. However, they may not have the ability to transport this material to a disposal event,” said Lisa Kao, environmental quality manager at Fresno State.

“We are happy to offer this pick-up service for seniors and the disabled to coincide with our community e-waste disposal event scheduled for Feb. 24. Our student-athletes will meet homebound fans as well as provide a community service that undoubtedly will be greatly appreciated,” Kao said.

Kao said individuals who wish to participate are encouraged to call soon for an appointment at 559.278.7422 since there will only be a limited number of appointments available.

During 2006, the university’s Environmental Health and Safety Office hosted five drop-off days, collecting more than 261,300 pounds – more than 130 tons – of e-waste and netting $30,051 in disposal fees. That money will be used to improve the campus hazardous materials and waste handling, storage and disposal, said Kao.

Upcoming e-waste drop-off dates at Fresno State are Feb. 24 and, March 24.

For more information, call the Environmental Health and Safety Office at Fresno State, 559.278.7422