Keeping old computer terminals, TV’s, microwaves and other electronic appliances out of landfills is the motivation behind Roanoke’s “E-Waste Day,” held for a second year at the Civic Center last Saturday. A steady stream of vehicles stretched around the backside of the complex, waiting for volunteers from Cox Communications, the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition and others to take unwanted electronic items off their hands.
Cool Cities Coalition member Mark McClain, also a local Sierra Club official, said some electronic components can be environmentally hazardous, while in other cases certain parts, metals or plastic housings can be recycled. “Everybody’s got this stuff, and it’s really good they’re bringing it in. A lot it can be recycled and reclaimed.” The push to replace old-style televisions with flat screens helped bump up the overall volume on Saturday.
McClain wasn’t surprised by the turnout. As he watched cars pull up and volunteers extract unwanted or outdated E-waste, he said, “There’s a huge need for this. I think we need to do a better job of picking this stuff up. Obviously you’re not getting all of it here.” He estimated that 1200-1300 vehicles may have come through last Saturday, with five or six items each to discard. “Do the math,” noted McClain — “there’s a lot more of it out there.”
By Gene Marrano [email protected]