Luther College
OP-20: Electronic Waste Recycling Program

Luther LIS addresses the issue of outdated technology hardware and runs a computer recycling and waste reduction program for environmentally friendly disposal of obsolete technology equipment. “All electronic devices should be recycled appropriately, as they can contain materials which, if placed in a landfill or disposed of in other standard ways, could result in environmental pollution,” said Chris Barth, executive director of Luther’s LIS. Old computing equipment is sent to agencies that ensure it is recycled responsibly. It was sent to Winneshiek County Recycling. Equipment that must be recycled is properly stored until enough is collected to send to a recycling center. Reusable items are sold on the LIS Used Technology Equipment Auction. From time to time LIS also recycles LIS-owned equipment through other vendors. Most recently we worked with Midwest Electronic Recovery, because our local county facility will no longer take Electronics from commercial businesses.

Luther’s institutional computer recycling program is not open to individuals, functioning solely as the recycler of institutional electronic equipment. To supplement the recycling program, Luther LIS created an online auction site (http://lisauction.luther.edu). Items such as computers, monitors, printers and keyboards that are obsolete for Luther’s purposes but still in too good of condition to be recycled are sold on the site and sent away for reuse. Midwest Electronic Recovery and other recycling programs pick up a truckload of recyclable items ranging from CRT computer monitors, overheads, circulation desk check-out dorm switches,to slide projectors. Cell phones are recycled through Wireless Alliance. Light bulbs are picked up by Retrofit Recycling. Batteries and printer cartridges are also recycled.

Individuals can recycle their computer equipment through options such as the Reconnect program which is through participating Goodwill donation centers. Printer cartridge drop boxes are located in the entrance of Olin, and in the Document Center in Main. Printer cartridges can also be recycled by picking up a prepaid envelope in Preus Library or in the Student Activities Suite in the Union. Wireless Alliances is recycling old cell phones, chargers and accessories. To recycle these items, bring them to the drop box by the atm in the Union. Any type of rechargable battery can be taken to Winnishiek County Recycling.

Additional information about electronic recycling options open to students is available at http://www.luther.edu/sustainability/initiatives/waste_recycling/recycling/