TEXARKANA, Texas -- The advancement of technology is becoming more popular, but electronic devices are also being discarded every year, leading to a rise in electronic waste.
Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, refers to any product that uses a plug or battery and sometimes contains toxic and hazardous substances, such as mercury and lead. Electronic waste may include computers, cellphones, household appliances, as well as medical equipment. E-waste is one of the fastest growing and most complex waste streams in the world, affecting both human health and the environment, according to globalwaste.org.
One of the most commonly recycled items in the United States is personal mobile devices such as cellphones and tablets.
"The majority of items UNICOR takes in for recycling are office machines such as desktop and laptop computers, monitors, televisions, printers, mice and keyboards, and copiers," the spokesperson for UNICOR said. "We also process a large volume of IT equipment and medical devices and recycle all types of electronic items."
For those who need to get rid of old electronics, it is not as simple as throwing it away. There is a certain way to dispose of it. Federal Prison Industries Inc., known by its trade name UNICOR, is a self-sustaining government corporation created in 1934 that receives no taxpayer funding.
UNICOR operates a nationwide network of electronics recycling centers to convert donated electronics into recyclable materials for resale to registered vendors. This helps reduce landfill congestion, makes the environment cleaner, and provides valuable skills and experience to reduce federal inmate recidivism. All UNICOR recycling factories are R2V3 certified.
"One of the most important things to consider when turning in electronics for recycling is to make sure you are using an R2-certified recycler," a spokesperson for UNICOR said. "Any electronics recycling center that carries this certification goes through yearly audits to ensure that all of the electronics and their components are handled properly to ensure there is no harm to the environment."
There are regulations and laws regarding the disposal of electronic waste that vary in different regions.
"Each state tends to have its laws and requirements regarding the safe disposal of e-waste," a spokesperson for UNICOR said. "All of these are designed to ensure that they are being handled properly and cause no harm to the environment."
There are many programs nationwide each year in place to promote responsible disposal and recycling of electronic waste. In Texarkana, the Parks and Recreation Department has an electronic recycling drive twice a year at Spring Lake Park.
"All items collected from the community are brought to our recycling center and processed properly," a spokesperson for UNICOR said.
Texarkana has seen an uptick in electronic material for recycling in our local community, as well as nationwide.
"We recycle electronic items for many businesses in the area, as well as members of the local community," a spokesperson for UNICOR said.
UNICOR's recycling program gives approximately 900 adults in custody an opportunity to voluntarily participate in the program. These workers receive training on topics including hazardous materials handling, identification and segregation of electronic components, proper operation of equipment, OSHA training, electronics assessment, forklift certification, and much more.
Due to security concerns, UNICOR is unable to accept drop-offs from private citizens. Contact [email protected] or call 903-838-4587.