Service to Begin on April 2, 2012
Akwesasne Territory -- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s, Solid Waste Management Program is pleased to announce that it is now an electronic waste (E-waste) collection center. The Solid Waste Program is utilizing Sunnking, Inc. of Brockport, NY as it E-waste service provider. Sunnking is a certified R2 electronics recycler. This service will begin on Onerahtokha/April 2, 2012 at the Transfer Station located at 179 County Route 43, Fort Covington, NY.
E-waste is restricted from disposal with regular household trash to keep it from entering landfills. E-waste components contain materials that are considered harmful and can be directed to recycling facilities where materials are recovered for reuse.
Common E-waste items are computers, printers, battery backup, scanners, copiers, fax machines, TV’s, cell phones, PDA’s, ink and toner cartridges, medical and lab equipment, video games and consoles cables and wires and rechargeable batteries. The Environment Division’s website has a complete list of acceptable materials. Individuals can also obtain a brochure of acceptable materials at the Division’s office, the community building or the Transfer Station.
The best thing about this new service is that all of the materials are accepted free of charge. E-waste can be brought down to the Transfer Station anytime during normal operating hours, 7:00 am to 2:45 pm. For a large number of items please call ahead. The Transfer Station personnel also will be working directly with Tribal organizations, departments and enterprises to work out the best way to collect their E-waste. The E-waste collection isn’t a one-time event and will be offered on a continuing basis to the community.
Community members should note that all electronics retailers at the location of sale in New York State are required to provide customers with information about opportunities for the return of E-waste. Manufacturers provide this information to retailers. Manufacturers are required to accept E-waste that it manufactures of or is of the same type that it manufactures (limited to one piece). Manufacturers may designate a third party to collect and recycle their particular brand. In any case the method for accepting waste must be reasonably convenient to consumers.
Best Buy© electronics advertises, “No matter where you bought it, we’ll recycle it.” Best Buy© stores all have a free kiosk to drop off of ink and toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries and cables. Home Depot©, Lowes©, Radio Shack© and Walmart© all offer rechargeable battery drop locations at their stores.
It is important for community members to recognize that many options are available for E-waste disposal. Now with the Tribe’s E-waste program it will become even more convenient than ever. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of these free services so that future generations will have a cleaner, healthier future.
For more information please contact Transfer Station Operations Supervisor, Russell Phillips (518) 358-9941 or Lawrence Thompson, Recycling Coordinator (518) 358-4632.
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For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.