Dear Editor:
I would like to clarify and expand on information highlighted in Julie Gray's Nov. 7 Features article regarding e-waste recycling entitled, "Reduce, reuse, e-cycle: Disposal of electronic waste gains attention as an environmental issue."
While Tufts does not recycle student computers, many companies now offer free or low-cost recycling services. For a fee of $10 per piece, Staples, Inc. accepts all brands of computers at its retail stores, regardless of where it was originally purchased. Peripherals are accepted at no charge.
In August, Sony started a free recycling program for all its products. According to an Aug. 2007 press release, "To encourage consumers to recycle and dispose of electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, Sony has established a national recycling program for consumer electronics. The Sony Take Back Recycling Program allows consumers to recycle all Sony-branded products for no fee at 75 Waste Management (WM) Recycle America eCycling drop-off centers throughout the U.S." There is a WM facility on Poplar Street in Somerville.
Toshiba provides customers the opportunity to trade in working technology products in exchange for a refund by mail. Broken Toshiba products or those with no trade-in value can be responsibly recycled for the cost of shipping.
Gateway has a similar trade-in program for working computers. Apple's program offers free recycling of old computers, regardless of manufacturer, when a qualifying Apple computer or monitor is purchased. (Since 2005, Apple has accepted old iPods for free recycling at their retail stores.) Dell accepts many of their products for free recycling, although their Web site is unclear as to whether a Dell purchase is required to qualify.
There are also methods to donate and resell computers. The "Tufts Recycles!" Web site has been recently updated with lots of this information, including articles related to the toxic mess caused by exporting our electronic waste to developing countries. I encourage students to look it over.
Lastly, Somerville residents can easily recycle computers for free through the city's curbside collection on regular trash days. Just call Public Works to notify them in advance.
Dawn QuirkTufts University Recycling Coordinator
