LANSING — Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) joined the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today to highlight the importance of recycling electronic waste at an event to celebrate Earth Day and the third annual Michigan Conservation Week.

“This Earth Day, it’s important that we not only celebrate Michigan’s traditional environment of wonderful air, land and water, but also look at how we can protect it from modern threats,” said Sen. Basham. “By properly disposing of these products, we are recycling and preventing pollution all at the same time at no expense to the consumer.”

As state employees dropped off old computer electronics at a recycling event hosted by the DEQ and Goodwill Industries, Sen. Basham was joined by Sen. Patty Birkholz (R-Saugatuck Township) and Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor) to emphasize the need for state residents to recycle old electronics. Electronic waste often contains hazardous substances such as mercury as well as valuable metals like copper. Improper disposal of these products results in the waste of good materials, and the potential release of dangerous ones into our environment.

“Earth Day is an opportunity for Michigan families to learn about our environment and the role all of us play in protecting it,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “We are excited to once again provide this opportunity for anyone to drop off old computers as part of our Earth Day celebration and ensure that they are properly recycled rather than winding up in our landfills.”

Public Acts 392 through 395 of 2008 require manufacturers of consumer computer electronics to implement a take-back program for the free return of computers and video display devices that they produce. The legislation received support from electronics manufacturers, Hewlett-Packard and Dell; Waste Management Inc; and Goodwill Industries. The DEQ, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, has been hosting the free e-waste recycling event for state employees for several years. Last year, nearly 13,000 pounds of e-waste were collected.

The Senate approved a resolution Tuesday designating April 20-26 as Michigan Conservation Week to encourage residents to conserve and protect Michigan’s natural resources.

Residents can find local locations for recycling at www.reconnectpartnership.com or http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585_4130-115394--,00.html.

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