County residents avoid tossing tons of E-waste into landfill

By Dianne Navarro
Sun contributor
“This monitor still works. We’re just updating our computer and we can’t even give this thing away. No one wants it” was a common theme voiced at Leelanau County’s Electronic Recycling Collection event, which took place on August 20 at Glen Lake High School. Thanks to Leelanau County and the dedicated residents who participated, approximately nine tons of outdated and nonworking computers, monitors, televisions, stereos, cellular phones, VHS and DVD players and other electronics were diverted from the landfill and sent downstate for recycling. Add this amount to another eight tons from last May’s collection event, and it’s difficult to imagine the magnitude of the electronic waste generated from a single county in northern Michigan. Try picturing a 48-foot semi-trailer at each of the collection events, completely loaded with every type of electronic device imaginable.

The need to divert electronics from landfills has become a paramount issue that an increasing number of communities and governments are finally beginning to acknowledge. Technology is advancing rapidly. New products arrive on the market faster than others become obsolete. Landfills now face the new burden of these “E-wastes” — tons of it.
But the incredible amount of space required to dispose of these high-tech wastes is not the only issue. Our everyday electronics contain several hazardous substances, making it crucial to keep them out of our environment. Some of these substances are known carcinogens such as beryllium and cadmium. Lead is damaging to the nervous system and has toxic effects on the kidneys and reproductive system. Mercury, a substance of concern in the Great Lakes area, is stored in the fat of animals and humans. At high levels it can damage the brain and kidneys. When passed down through breast milk, it can also harm a developing fetus. Brominated flame retardants, hexavalent chromium and barium are other components with serious toxic effects.
Redirecting these items to responsible destinations is becoming an issue of national ethics and responsibility. Communities and governments now acknowledge the threat these materials pose to our environmental and public health. While tons of e-wastes have been diverted from our own landfills, the burden of disposal has often shifted to other spots around the world, mainly third world countries. Electronic wastes are frequently collected at various locations around the United States under the pretense of “recycling” when, in reality, they are sent overseas to be dumped as E-waste. Often, locals and even children process these exported electronics using primitive and dangerous techniques such as burning plastic and wires, melting and burning toxic-soldered circuit boards, using acid to extract gold and cracking and dumping toxic lead-laden cathode ray tubes.
Entire communities that receive these wastes have been documented suffering from groundwater contamination and serious illnesses resulting from the crude practices. A lack of protective labor and nonexistent environmental laws makes poor countries prime targets for North America’s high-tech wastes. For these reasons, Leelanau County’s Planning and Development Department wanted to find a company that recycled using responsible methods.
Valley City Environmental Services located in Grand Rapids is where Leelanau County’s electronics arrived for recycling. David Perry, Valley City’s Electronic Recycling Manager, asserts that all components from electronics received are totally dismantled at their facility. Once the components are dissembled and sorted, they are sent out within the this country to companies for complete recycling. From there they are sent out as finished products into the global markets. For instance, glass mixed with lead, like what’s found in the Cathode Ray Tubes, the component that shields us from radiation output, is sent to a company in Ohio for complete cleaning and recycling. From there it is sent to Brazil and Asia for the manufacturing of new cathode ray tubes.
In order to rid their households responsibly of their high-tech wastes, a certain amount of motivation was required by the Leelanau County residents. Participants first had to make an appointment and then drive to a designated site where they paid a fee of $10 per household. Many residents brought in several electronic items, making the $10 fee a real bargain. According to Perry at Valley City, the fee for recycling a PC and monitor typically costs $13. A television set, which contains the highest percentage of hazardous materials, could cost $25 to recycle. Sarah Lucas, Senior Planner of Leelanau County’s Planning and Development Department explains: “The $10 fee is low enough to encourage people to participate while getting them used to the idea that they do need to pay a fee for the service.”
Obviously a $10 fee alone would fall short of sustaining a program like this. To make these events possible, Leelanau County was one of five communities in Michigan to receive Pollution Prevention (P2) grant money from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. A total of $24,590 was awarded to the county. This money was made available from Michigan’s unclaimed bottle and can deposits. Leelanau County provided the required match of $9,433 as well as in-kind services, promotional, processing and transportation costs. Despite the drive, drop-off fee, and an occasional wait for some, participating residents were very grateful to have the program available to them. All would agree that they felt better knowing they were doing the right thing and that it was well worth the extra effort.
Leelanau County residents can continue to look forward to P2 grant money assisting e-recycling through next fall. After that, the county hopes to keep the program going by relying on funds collected from the $10 fees. Future fees will need to increase after the grant is over. Leelanau County residents may call 256-9812 for information on future electronics recycling scheduling.
Valley City’s David Perry was quite impressed with Leelanau County’s turnout. “Usually the more rural communities don’t have as high a participation as you did in Leelanau County.” Now there’s something to be proud of!