Five Reasons to Recycle and Electronic Waste Recycling Event

Cleaning out plastic all types of containers and tossing them into the recycling bin along with papers, has never been easier. The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority’s recycling program switched to a single stream collection and processing system in 2013.
Single stream recycling allows for collection in a single container, no need to separate newspapers from cans and glass. More materials are able to be recycled and less waste enters the landfill.
Here are five reasons to recycle.
1. Preservation – Recycling all products with a recycling symbol allows less trash to enter landfills, which means a lesser need to create more landfills.
2. Protection – Recycling papers saves trees, which in turn saves the homes of wildlife. Recycled materials are converted into new products, which lessons the need to consume natural resources which will help to protect natural habitats for the future.
3. Prevention – Reducing waste helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, most commonly found in landfills and incinerators. Recycling materials requires less energy, which helps reduce emissions and combat climate change.
4. Energy conservation – Creating products from recycled material takes less energy than a product from raw materials. Though the recycling process still uses energy, it does so in a lesser amount than with products made from new materials.
5. Good for the economy – Recycling and purchasing recycled products makes an increase in demand for more recycled goods. When goods are made from recycled material, they use less water. Less energy and create less pollution.
Electronic Waste Recycling Set for May 4
The West Cape May Environmental Commission is facilitating an Electronic Waste Recycling event on May 4 in the West Cape May Borough Hall parking lot. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine.
Items acceptable for recycling include: cell phones, computers, modems, laptops, computer monitors, televisions (flat screen and big old CRT TVs), desktop printers and desktop fax machines. White items such as, microwaves, stoves, washers and dryers will not be accepted. Working with Green Chip Recycling, all electronic waste will be securely transported to their facility and recycled compliant with R2, ISO14001 and OSHA regulations.  Items do not have to be “wiped clean” of files. All recycled items will be recycled in accordance with state and federal laws and all data storing devices will be destroyed within R2, Department of Defense (DoD) and National Institute of Technology (NIST) standards.
The West Cape May Environmental Commission urges everyone to recycle their electronic waste because old electronic devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium, proper processing is essential to make sure that these toxic materials are not released into our environment. 
This free, one-day event is open to all.  Schools, businesses and homeowners are encouraged to participate. You do not have to be a resident of West Cape May to bring your electronic waste for recycling. Items to be recycled MAY NOT be dropped off at West Cape May Borough Hall prior to 9 a.m. on May 4. West Cape May Borough Hall is located at 732 Broadway, West Cape May.