RecycleMania event to collect e-waste and medications for disposal

Members of the campus community can properly dispose of unwanted electronics (e-waste) and medications between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Friday, March 2, in Parking Lot 5A.

This collection event is part of the University’s participation in the RecycleMania tournament, which ends March 31. All items collected will be included in final results submitted to the competition.

Any device that can be powered on or plugged-in, regardless of its functionality or age, will be accepted. All data on the devices will be erased by professionals to avoid unwarranted individuals from gaining access. The devices will either be properly recycled, or refurbished and given to families in need.

Medications, regardless of their expiration dates, will be collected, weighed for the competition and then incinerated. This will ensure medications are diverted from water systems and from individuals who may abuse them. Organizers suggest personal information on labels be blacked out or removed.

“Emphasis is being placed on these two waste streams because of their long-term impacts when disposed improperly,” stated Tyler Sytsma, University sustainability coordinator. “Every (item of) electronics we collect means less plastic and hazardous material sitting in a landfill and not decomposing.”

Sytsma also encourages individuals to donate medications to “help ensure a healthy community.”

The Offices of Waste Reduction and Recycling, Sustainability and Surplus, with assistance from the Police and Public Safety Department and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, are co-sponsoring this event.

Listed below are examples of accepted materials. This list is not inclusive.