January 12, 2007

Sweeping the Bay Area in January: E-Waste for Education collection events 

The month of January is a time for cleaning up and clearing out unwanted electronics and organizing our homes, garages and businesses bringing in the new year with a fresh start.  Throughout the Bay Area ASL, a State Authorized Recycler, is offering several locations for driving in and dropping off all unwanted Electronic Waste free of charge while allowing your contributions to profit schools and non-profit organizations.

ASL has delivered over $130,000 to schools and non-profits by partnering with these organizations using E-Waste collection events and give back over 20 percent of the funds received by the state through the Electronic Recycling Act of 2003 (SB20). Collectors can only offer a trace amount in proceeds because of their “middle man” status. ASL eliminates the middle man giving the best possible opportunity for large monetary rewards through the vehicle of Electronic Waste.

Nut and bolts
Effective since Jan. 1, 2005, consumers pay an additional fee at the point of sale on new products that contain CRT's ranging from $6 to $10 depending on the item. The state uses these funds to reimburse authorized recyclers for their service after the recycler submits monthly claims on recycled items. The state reimburses ASL for the electronic waste it collects. 

By putting a school or non profit in a "Collector role" ASL passes on a portion of the reimbursement money directly to any school, church or charity sponsoring an Electronic Waste collection event. Because ASL eliminates the middle man, the participating school or organization makes the maximum in funds. Consumers can now indirectly get a portion of their advance recycling fee back by contributing their obsolete E-Waste items to the cause of their choice. 

With over 130 events successfully executed, a formula was created: an average household usually disposes of one TV, computer plus two or three smaller electronic materials equalling approximately $8 in proceeds to the participating organization leaving the meager fundraising from candy and magazine campaigns in the dust.

The strategy
A "Drive In and Drop Off" service is provided using a parking lot of choice by the school or non profit. On the day of the collection event, ASL takes over with no additional help from the school or non-profit. The weight of the electronic waste collected dictates the proceeds awarded to the partnering organization. ASL offers complimentary marketing aids while the school or non-profit does the foot work. 

"This program integrates everyone as a whole allowing large corporations to the neighbor next door to do their part and feel good about it,"  said vice president of operations, Bill McGeever. "If you see an Electronic Waste collection event in your neighborhood with ASL participating you know that your old electronics will go toward a good cause." 

"We all want exceptional educational programs for our children; we all want a safe environment and continually strive to put procedures in place to ensure safety” added McGeever. “This is ASL's way of giving back to the community doing our part by working in conjunction with the state of California to make this happen."

Info on ASL
ASL is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. where drop-offs of old electronics are welcome always at no charge. Arrangements can be made to pick up quantities of monitors and CRTs which is also a free service.
 
ASL is located at 524 Brennan Avenue in San Jose between Montague Express-way and Brokaw off of Junction Avenue.  For more information please call (408) 468-0230.

Local upcoming events
Saturday, Jan. 13: Evergreen Elementary, 3010 Fowler Way, San Jose, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 20: Rita Ledesma Elementary, 1001 School House Road, San Jose, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27: Santa Teresa High School, 6150 Snell Avenue, San Jose, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.