E-Waste Collection Event at Computers for Kids

Unwanted computers and electronics collected by local charity in order to protect our environment

WINDSOR, ON, Feb. 4 /CNW/ - On Saturday February 6 from 9AM to 4PM , CAW Local 200 Computers for Kids in partnership with TD Friends of the Environment, will be hosting an e-waste collection event. At this special event being held at 4150 Sandwich, residents and businesses of Windsor-Essex will be given the opportunity to drop-off their unwanted computers, television sets and electronics free of charge.

Due to the increasingly high rate which we replace our computers and electronic devices, electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world today. Industry experts estimate that the average lifespan for a computer is less than 2 years in developed countries. The average lifespan for a cell phone is less than a year. This high turnover rate means high volumes of waste are generated and the pace only grows.

Unfortunately, the proper recycling of e-waste is not commonplace as less than 15% is recycled in a responsible manner. Commonly it is disposed of in our landfills or shipped overseas to third world countries that do not practice safe recycling methods. When e-waste is not recycled responsibly it can cause severe harm to our environment as well as cause serious health problems such as cancer.

However, a charity located in Windsor, Ontario is fighting to overcome this issue through the collection and proper recycling of these unwanted and potentially toxic items. Computers for Kids, Charitable Status Number 86000 1437 RR0001, is an approved collector under the Ontario Electronics Stewardship which is a province-wide recycling program. All unusable equipment they collect is shipped to certified recyclers in Ontario who fully recycle the equipment in an environmentally safe manner. Usable equipment will help the charity fulfill referrals for computers received from social organizations and schools.

Partnership with TD Friends of the Environment has allowed the charity the opportunity to hold eight collection events during 2010. Items that will be accepted at these collection events include computers, computer accessories, computer monitors, television sets, cell phones, printers/fax machines and most electronic items. Visit www.cfkcanada.org to find a complete list of items the charity accepts.

The charity hopes these collection events will raise awareness to the environmental issues we currently face with electronics. "We all need to step up and do our part to ensure our environment is protected from undue harm," said Chris Davies , Computers for Kids Executive Director. "By choosing to donate your unwanted equipment to us you do your part to better our planet while also enabling us to continue to provide in-need children in our area with computer access to better their education."

With generous support and hard work from many donors and volunteers, Computers for Kids has been able to recycle over 2.5 million pounds of e-waste and donate over 1,500 computers to young people over the past six years.

Computers for Kids accepts equipment donations year round. To drop off your items, visit Computers for Kids anytime between 9:00AM - 5:00PM Monday through Friday. They are located at 4150 Sandwich St., Windsor, Ontario.

About Computers for Kids:

Computers for Kids was founded in January of 2004 with the vision of providing refurbished computer systems to children who may not otherwise have access to one outside of school. Since then, the organization has helped one child at a time, growing to provide public computer learning centres as well as becoming a full service computer and electronics recycler.

For further information: Rob McLean, President, Chris Davies, Executive Director, CAW Local 200 Computers for Kids, (519) 253-KIDS (5437), www.cfkcanada.org