(BEDFORD) – General Motors and Us Ecology in observance of World Environment Day is hosting their third annual free electronics take-back day on Thursday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m in the GM parking lot.
Accepted items include, but are not limited to, televisions, computers, cellphones, cameras, CD/DVD players, video game systems, printers, radios, and minor appliances.
Items that are not accepted include batteries, light bulbs, thermostats, smoke detectors, small engines, and refrigerator units.
The electronics will go to Cleanlites Recycling in Ohio, where they will be recycled.
Stephanie Jentgen, GM communications manager, said the event is important because the process of recycling electronics can be difficult because most landfills no longer accept electronics or require a disposal fee.
This is because electronics often contain heavy metals, such as mercury, that are toxic. If those devices are placed into landfills, the toxic waste could eventually infect local groundwater.
Last year, the event collected 10,820 pounds of electronic waste. The most common recycled were cellphones, desktop computer towers, and older televisions.
Earlier this year, GM earned the 2019 Energy Star Partner of the Year award for being energy efficient and reducing carbon emissions.
Anyone with additional questions about the event can call 812-279-7144.
