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Westminster College's AV Services Holds Most Successful E-Recycling Drive to Date

Posted on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College's Audio Visual (AV) Services hosted an electronics recycling drive April 20 that netted more than 13,000 pounds of recycled electronics, slightly besting their previous record drive in the spring of 2012, and bringing the total weight of recycled e-waste from the bi-annual drives to more than 70,000 pounds.

AV collaborated with A Greenspan, a Pittsburgh-based recycler that only uses e-steward  contractors to make it possible for the Westminster community and surrounding areas to responsibly recycle their used electronics. These materials may include appliances, computers, and televisions that could end up in local landfills or in third world countries without proper oversight. A Greenspan certifies that these electronics are being recycled or disposed of within proper guidelines that are beneficial to the community, the ecosystem, and the economy.

Most items are collected and recycled at no cost to consumers, though there can be a small cost for businesses to ensure that items are safely disposed of, all of which goes entirely to the recyclers. AV and Westminster serve to promote and provide both labor and location, but make no money off of these drives.

"The Westminster AV crew that works these drives is fantastic," said Terry Boring, vice president and general manager of operations for A Greenspan. "They are extremely professional and seem to have an endless amount of energy."

"It's wonderful that they provide a service like this to the community," said Tom Pryts, a retired educator from Hermitage who brought some materials to the drive. "Most people want to do the right thing, but have no idea what else to do with their stuff."

As of January 1, 2013, it became illegal for Pennsylvania residents to place e-waste on the curb along with other trash for roadside pickup. By recycling through e-recycling drives like Westminster College's, patrons are not only being responsible and eco-friendly, but are also keeping in accordance with the new state law.

AV also has collaborated with Westminster's Physical Plant, Information Systems, the Chemical Hygiene office and the Sustainability committee to aid campus collection of tech trash so that the school can be compliant with the new state law.

"E-recycling is a great way to properly dispose of your electronic equipment as well as raise awareness for recycling initiatives," said Green AV leader Erin Sullivan.

Green AV is a volunteer group comprised of AV Services student workers that formed in 2008. The group dedicates their time to promoting environmentally efficient ways to reduce electronic waste and make it easier for the campus to do the same.

Sullivan continued, "I'm very pleased with the outcome of this drive and hope to see even more recycled materials in the future."

Sullivan, a junior environmental science major, is a daughter of John and Kathleen Sullivan of Aurora, Ohio, and a graduate of Aurora High School.

Plans are underway for the next e-recycling drive, which will be held on October 19, 2013, at Westminster's Hoyt Science Center loading dock.

Contact AV Services by email at (724) 946-7188 or email avstaff@westminster.edu for additional information.