If you watched the 60 Minutes segment the other evening on TV, perhaps you are as concerned as I am about all this “buzz” to recycle computers, cell phones and T.V.’s.  How do we know that our recyclers are actually doing the recycling and not sending the waste to China as indicated on 60 Minutes?  In case you missed it, here’s the video from the show.  The recycling company in question is in Colorado but it was stated there are 40 other recyclers sending the waste to China polluting the air and poisoning its people.

What follows below is some more information on e-cycling, however, now I have doubts that what we are recycling actually winds up being recycled.  I had written about digital broadcasting and recycling electronic and cell phones in Part 1. Here’s more to hopefully help you unload your e-waste:

If you’ve been wondering what to do with all the broken, used up, and unwanted stuff accumulating in your home; in some cases, you can take it back to a store. A growing number of retailers are offering programs that make it easy for you to responsibly recycle castaways. So, next time you go shopping consider packing more than just your reusable shopping bags. Here’s a sampling of some national programs.

Aveda collects water, soda, detergent, and shampoo plastic bottle caps at its retail stores and some of its salons. Caps are recycled and used to make new Aveda packaging.

Best Buy takes cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink jet cartridges at all its U.S. stores. You can learn about its weekend recycling events and other programs at the company’s website.

Home Depot has a recycling program for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), cell phones, and rechargeable batteries available at all of its stores in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Ikea takes plastic bags, CFLs, and batteries at its 35 U.S. stores.

Office Depot will give you a $3 coupon for every ink or toner cartridge you bring in. Drop off old cell phones and rechargeable batteries for free. For other tech trash, Office Depot sells Tech Recycling boxes (for $5, $10, or $15 depending on size) that you can fill with an unlimited amount of electronics and hand back.  Here is the information on Office Depot’s tech recycling. Office Max also recycles ink cartridges which I wrote about in Part 1. in addition to their tech recycling program.

Radio Shack accepts old cell phones and rechargeable batteries.

Staples offers free recycling for smaller electronics (like cell phones, PDAs, and rechargeable batteries) and computer peripherals (such as mice, key boards, and computer speakers). Bring in your old computer, printer, or other office technology and pay a $10 fee for recycling. You’ll also get $3 in Staples Rewards when you recycle HP, Lexmark or Dell ink and toner cartridges.

The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. accept clean packaging peanuts for reuse at many of their locations. Each franchise is individually owned so you should call your local store before making the trip.

Wal-Mart takes plastic bags, used car batteries, motor oil, and oil filters at all of its locations.

Whole Foods Market has different programs in each of its stores so find out the details about your local market. Here’s a small sampling of what you can potentially unload: Crocs, batteries, cell phones, inkjet cartridges, CFLs, plastic grocery bags, light plastics (six pack holders, dry cleaning, bags, newspaper bags, etc.), and wine corks (in Northern California starting in November).

Try searching Earth 911’s extensive database for other local options.

***There will be another e-waste recycling day November 22 for recycling your TV at Standard TV & Appliance.  Here’s that information.***

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