Modern electronic equipment contains valuable materials such as copper, gold and aluminum that can be reclaimed and recycled into new products. Recycling these materials prevent the need to extract virgin materials conserving natural resources. In addition, electronic equipment contains different hazardous materials which are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. Commonly found hazardous substances in electronic equipment include heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. To make the best use of the recoverable valuable components as well as properly handle the hazardous components, electronic equipment is best handled by a responsible electronics recycler at the end of its useful life.
The original agreement countersigned March 20, 2012 provided for CompuCycle, Inc., to purchase used electronic equipment generated by city departments for proper recycling and/or possible disposal. This included collection and disposition of the equipment which are items such as PCs, computer monitors, laptops, cell phones, cables, routers, etc. The data contained on such equipment is erased. The Contractor must maintain either R2 or e-Steward certification, as an independently verified responsible recycler.
The First Amendment will allow the City to expand the scope of services to include the Contractor providing monthly weekend drop-off events in Kingwood and Clear Lake on the first and second Saturdays of each month respectively and other electronics collections. The weekend drop-off events in these locations allows the City to provide electronics recycling collection services to residents. The First Amendment will also allow the Contractor to accept and purchase where applicable, material from the Solid Waste Management Department’s permanent recycling drop-offs at the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center and the Environmental Service Center for proper recycling and disposal.
The amendment provides for additional funding to cover the increased scope of services.
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Harry J. Hayes, Director SWMD