Did you know …
Heavy metals are naturally occurring chemical elements that have a high atomic weight and a density of at least 5 times greater than that of water. Heavy metals are toxic at low concentrations. Examples of heavy metals include mercury, cadmium, and lead, often used in electronic components.
Approximately 201 million tons of solid waste is generated annually in the U.S. and one percent is classified as computer and/or electronic equipment. Of this 2.1 million tons, only an estimated 134,000 tons is actually recycled. Even though e-waste accounts for a small percentage of all municipal waste, it still accounts for about 70 percent of heavy metals ending up in our landfills.
Information provided by ReGroup, a nonprofit educational group, formed in 1989 to develop public awareness ofwastereduction, reuse and recycling benefits on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. ReGroup meets every third Monday of the monthat6:30p.m.at Hope Community Resources Community Center on Princeton Avenue off Kalifornsky Beach Road. Find ReGroup onFacebook(look for our logo and Community Organization) or contact at regroupkenaipeninsula@gmail.com.
