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A Daily News Service of the North Carolina Coastal Federation

State Awards Funds for Electronics Recycling

by

RALEIGH — Of the 83 county and cities awarded a total of $600,000 to support local electronics management programs, 14 are on the coast.

DEQ’s Division of Waste Management awarded $600,000 to 83 county and city governments  for electronics management programs to recycle TVs and computer equipment. Photo: Mark Hibbs

The funds through the Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management provide the opportunity to recycle electronics such as televisions and computer equipment.

Since 2010 when legislation initiated the Electronics Management Program, government and manufacturer programs have diverted more than 300 million pounds of electronics from solid waste landfills. Data on electronics recycled by businesses is not collected.

The program requires computer equipment and television manufacturers who sell in the state to offer take-back programs to residents and pay an annual registration fee, which makes up the Electronics Management Fund used to support approved electronics recycling programs within the state’s counties. Costs typically associated with local collection systems include managing drop-off sites, and the consolidation and transport of materials.

“Recycling electronic equipment reduces waste and protects water quality by keeping toxic materials like mercury and lead out of landfills,” said DEQ Secretary Michael Regan in a statement. “In addition, recycling electronics recovers valuable raw materials that can be used to make new products that diversify the market, supporting North Carolina jobs and sustainable economic development.”

The following are the coastal counties awarded, the amount and the recycling company:

  • Brunswick County $8,236.35 Powerhouse
  • Camden County  $644.11 Synergy
  • Chowan County  $889.48 eCycle Secure
  • Craven County  $6,467.14 Powerhouse
  • Dare County  $2,293.29 ERI
  • Gates County  $752.09 eCycle Secure
  • Hertford County $1,500.61 GEEP
  • Hyde County $341.35 ERI
  • New Hanover County  $14,332.35 Powerhouse
  • Onslow County $12,271.18 American Greenz
  • Pamlico County  $829.84 Powerhouse
  • Pasquotank County  $2,490.88 eCycle Secure
  • Pender County  $3,822.07 ERI
  • Perquimans County  $854.94 eCycle Secure

For a full list of the 83 government recipients, download Electronics Management Fund Distributions February 2019.

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About Staff Report

The story was compiled by staff members of Coastal Review.

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