E.P.A. and Best Buy To Recycle Electronic Equipment Destroyed by Hurricane Katrina

(Washington, D.C. - March 3, 2006) E.P.A. and Best Buy are teaming up to increase collection and safe recycling of computers and other electronic equipment destroyed by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. On Saturday, March 4, consumers in the Jackson County, Miss., region can drop off old or unwanted electronic gear at a one-day, free electronics recycling event at Singing River Mall, in Gautier, Miss.

Best Buy will accept any make or model of computer and related equipment, including computers, monitors, printers, scanners, keyboards, mice, laptops, and cables. Consumers are asked to remove all data from their computer's hard drive if possible. Best Buy will also take television sets. Additionally, Best Buy will deliver $5 million in computer donations in March 2006 to schools damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in Greater New Orleans and Mississippi.

"EPA is helping to make sure yesterday's electronic gadgets are not becoming tomorrow's high-tech garbage," said E.P.A. Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By working with communities to collect and properly dispose of electronic wastes, we are working to protect the health of current and future generations of Gulf Coast residents."

This month, Best Buy, a partner in EPAs Plug-In To eCycling program, will collect and pay for the environmentally safe recycling of 30,000 to 60,000 pounds of computers, monitors and televisions that are currently held in certain staging areas in Jackson County, Miss., and Orleans Parish, La.

Best Buy is an original partner in the Plug-In to eCycling partnership. Formed in 2002, the partnership aims to increase the safe recycling of used electronic products by encouraging private and public sector partners to advertise, promote, or provide actual opportunities to recycle old consumer electronics. More information about the Plug-In plan and its partners: epa.gov/rcc/plugin

EPA's cooperation with Best Buy in this effort does not imply or constitute endorsement of Best Buy products and services. E.P.A. is willing to work with other companies in similar efforts to ensure that these and other materials are recycled responsibly.

WHAT: Electronics recycling drop-off event

WHEN: Sat., March 4, 2006
eight a.m. to two p.m.

WHERE: Singing River Mall
2800 Hwy. 90, Gautier, Miss.

More about Hurricane Katrina electronic collection events: epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/conserve/plugin/katrina2.htm

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