Electronics Recycling

Envirocycle Inc., Hallstead, Pa., has opened an electronics recycling center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The California Integrated Waste Management Board and the Department of Toxic Substances has approved the facility to collect and recycle electronics, and Envirocycle has been authorized to participate in the state’s electronics recycling payment system.

"Due in great part to California’s initiative in regulating the management of electronic waste, as well as the technologically advanced climate in the state, we decided to expand to the West Coast," Greg Voorhees, Envirocycle vice president of operations, says.

"One thing that makes Envirocycle unique is our ability to clean and process cathode ray tube (CRT) glass, and return it to CRT tube manufacturers," he adds.

"Most recyclers do not have the ability to process the glass, and will either ship it to processors like Envirocycle or to secondary lead smelters," Voorhees continues. "The new regulations are going to create a mountain of CRT glass that most processors in the state are unwilling or unable to deal with."

An estimated 2.5 million pounds of electronics were recycled in the Envirocycle plant in Hallstead, Pa., in 2004. The company also operates plants in Mount Pleasant, Pa., on a Sony campus, and one in San Diego, located within Sony’s National Headquarters. Envirocycle says it is also opening additional collection facilities on the West Coast to support its growing business.

In addition to demanufacturing obsolete electronics, Envirocycle operates an Asset Management Department that helps businesses properly dispose of unwanted electronics, like computers, fax machines and copiers, by recycling or selling them as whole devices or as components following inspection and testing. The company says it does not sell untested, non-working equipment overseas.

Envirocycle has been recycling electronics for more than 13 years and regularly partners with electronics manufacturers like Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, JVC and Lexmark to hold collection events throughout the country.

More information on the company and its services is available at www.enviroinc.com.