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EPA Applauds Progress in Recycling Electronic Waste

Release Date: 01/06/2006
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / jones.enesta@epa.gov

(Las Vegas-Jan. 6, 2006) Collaboration among EPA and its 21 Plug-In To eCycling partners over the last three years has resulted in the safe recycling of more than 60 million pounds of old electronics.

EPA will recognize the collaborative and individual efforts of the Plug-In partners in 2005, at the annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Jan. 7 in Las Vegas.

"EPA is helping to make sure yesterday's high-tech gadgets are not becoming tomorrow's contaminated garbage," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Plug-In To eCyling is spreading the word that reusing and recycling electronics is something everyone can do to protect our environment and the health of future generations of Americans."

Through EPA's Plug-In program, manufacturers and retailers work together to raise public awareness on electronics reuse and recycling and to create more take back opportunities for consumers and businesses. Plug-In partners include: Best Buy; Cingular Wireless; Dell; eBay's Rethink Initiative; Hewlett Packard; Intel; JVC; Lexmark; NEC; Panasonic; Philips; Sharp; Sony; Samsung; and Staples.

Americans discard approximately 2 million tons of used electronics, including computers and televisions each year. In addition, an estimated 128 million cell phones are retired from use annually.

Through its various programs, EPA is working to foster environmentally friendly design; to increase purchasing and use of electronics products that are environmentally sustainable; and to increase the reuse and safe recycling of used electronics.

CES is the largest technology show of its kind in the world. In 2005, there were more than 145,000 attendees as well as 4,500 press, and 2,500 exhibitors.

More information on the Plug-In To eCycling program: epa.gov/plugin

More information on the CES: http://www.cesweb.org