The Office of Sustainability and the Office of Information Security are planning an e-waste recycling and light bulb swap event for Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October 2020). All hard drives collected in this drive will be securely and safely recycled by certified vendors.

On the last Thursday of October and first Thursday of November (10/29 and 11/5), the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Information Security will be hosting e-waste recycling drives at the School of Medicine and Danforth campus, respectively. While bi-annual e-waste drives are typically open to the public, due to visitor restrictions related to COVID-19 health safety, our friends from the community are not encouraged to come on campus. We hope to welcome you back at a later date!

Electronic waste (or “e-waste”) has historically had a very low rate of recycling, at only 12.5%. While it comprises only a small percent of all waste, it represents the vast majority of toxic waste in landfills. Additionally, it is the fastest growing source of landfill waste. However, when recycled, many highly valuable materials can be recovered from electronics. Currently over $60 million worth of gold and silver inside electronics is dumped into landfills every year. Special e-waste collection drives help address this issue, protecting local and global human and environmental health. 

“Anything with a cord” can be recycled at this event, including computers and accessories, lawn and garden equipment, power tools, and kitchen appliances.

The following items cannot be accepted:

• University-owned items (request a pick up of these items through this form any time)
• CDs/DVDs/VHS (although we can accept CD, DVD and VHS players)
• Batteries

Most items will be accepted at no cost. Items that require a disposal fee due to hazardous components are listed below:

• Any size tube TV or bid screen TV – $25
• Any size CRT tube computer monitor – $10
• Any size flat screen TV or computer monitor: $10
• Cash, check or credit card can be accepted onsite.

EXCLUSIVE FOR FALL 2020 DRIVES: Light Bulb Swap – bring in working or non-working incandescent light bulbs and swap them for an energy-efficient 60watt LED bulb. (No CFLs please. Limit 10 LEDs per person.)

OTHER RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES

Can’t make it to one of these events? Not a WashU employee or student? Check out this website to find ewaste collection events throughout the St. Louis region.