Most of us have it: the box of old chargers, the collection of obsolete phones, or the old television or computer that we plan to get rid of鈥omeday. Recycling your old and outdated electronics鈥攃ell phones, DVD players, laptops, and basically everything (except large projection screen televisions) 鈥� is a win-win-win for residents of the Greater Helena area thanks to Helena Industries鈥� Big Sky E-Recycling Program.
鈥淲hen people recycle their unwanted, outdated, and unused electronics with the Big Sky E-Recycling Program, they are able to clear their clutter, help us provide meaningful jobs for people, including veterans and people with disabilities,鈥� said Matt Elsaesser, Big Sky E-Recycling Program Manager. 鈥淐ritically, the program also helps keep hazardous waste out of our landfill,鈥� he added.
鈥淎merica produces nearly 50 million tons of electronic waste and discards 30 million computers. Current estimates show that over 6.7 billion pounds of e-waste are not recycled in the United States,鈥� according to CyclePoint鈩�, a national e-recycling network powered by SourceAmerica鈩�.
According to the network that provides guidance and support to Big Sky E-Recycling Program, the amount of e-waste is growing, making it the 鈥渇astest growing segment of municipal waste.鈥�
In addition to adding waste to the landfill, electronic waste can be hazardous. Electronic waste can include lead, mercury, flame retardant, heavy metals, and other substances that can harm the environment and human health if not properly managed.
The Big Sky E-Recycling Program is a member of the national CyclePoint鈩� network and is proudly R2/RIOS鈩� licensed. While minimizing electronic waste in the landfill and looking to reuse electronics is a priority, the program is also committed to providing a safe work environment for employees, prioritizing data security, and ensuring the highest standards of environmental stewardship are maintained.
鈥淧eople store and collect a lot of confidential and personal information on their devices. That鈥檚 why we invested in a state-of-the-art hard drive shredder, which means we destroy all data on collected items. We can provide a certificate of destruction to the owner for a $5 fee, if requested,鈥� said Elsaesser.
To date, the program has successfully achieved its goals, collecting and disassembling nearly 100 tons of local electronic waste. 聽Today, the program employs nine people. 鈥淔or over 40 years, Helena Industries has provided meaningful vocational opportunities to empower people with disabilities. We are always looking for ways to continue and improve what we do. We saw electronic waste recycling as a great way to provide a community service in addition to employment and training opportunities that will benefit and prepare people for the workplaces of the future,鈥� said Helena Industries President and CEO, Russ Cargo.
To read the full story, visit .