Area agencies launch computer recycling

RBC I Keeping pace with the ever-changing advances in new technology can be a challenge.
What to do with old technology can be a challenge, too.
Rio Blanco County, in conjunction with the Meeker School District and other government entities and businesses, including Pioneers Medical Center and White River Electric Association, decided to do something about those outdated printers and computer monitors.
They decided to recycle them.
Actually, local government entities have been recycling old computer equipment for years, but this was the first time they made it a communitywide project.
“This is the first year we’ve opened it up to the public,” said Mike Lani, information technology director for the county. “The county and the school district have recycled for years. We’re hoping to make it an annual event, where everybody can get rid of their old computer equipment and hopefully keep some of those heavy metals out of the landfills.”
About 20 pallets of old computer equipment were loaded into a semi truck trailer last week and hauled off.
“Over $300 was collected to help offset shipping costs,” Lani said. “We charged $5 a person for up to three items and then $3 for every item after that. This being the first year, we had a pretty good response.”
Items were collected in Meeker, “But people in Rangely were welcome to bring down items,” Lani said.
The equipment was hauled to a recycling center in Denver.
“They go through the equipment and decide what can be refurbished. Some of that gets sent to Third World countries, or they extract the metals and recycle the materials,” Lani said.
For a first-time effort, Lani was pleased with the level of cooperation.
“This was a good example of local agencies working together,’ he said.