Electronics have been an essential part of American life for decades, and have dramatically advanced during the 21st century. Yet, as technology has matured, problems over waste disposal have increased.

Most electronics are simply thrown away, ending up in landfills. There is a large number of people who do not know that electronics can be recycled.

“I thought you simply threw away electronics,” Tae Min Oh, ’12, said. “Whenever something electronic breaks in my house, we keep it because some of the parts can usually be used for something else. But recycling electronics sounds like a good idea that could help prevent pollution.”

Many countries in Asia, including Japan and South Korea, were the first to propose laws dealing with e-waste. Many of these countries place an economic burden on manufacturers to deal with e-waste.

However, fear over the effects of toxic waste such as mercury has led many states, the first being California, to enact a ban on electronics in landfills, though this injunction is loosely enforced in these states: only about one-quarter of electronics were recycled in 2009. This ban covers everything from computers to calculators and televisions.

While some companies can be paid to deal with electronic waste, once every two months, it can be dealt with for free if brought to the Fresno Fairgrounds.

To oblige with California State standards, FC Director of Technology David Martens will be taking old school electronics to the Fresno Fairgrounds for recycling at 10 a.m., March 10 .

Martens believes that electronic waste recycling is an easy way to deal with the problem and help the environment. “As christians, we need to take care of the environment,” Martens said. “E-waste recycling is a simple solution that helps preserve the environment.”

For those who wish to include their e-waste with Martens’s, can contact him through email.

For more news, read the March 7 article, Student entrepreneurs present goods at annual Econ Fair.