Hollins University’s statewide initiative to encourage Virginians to recycle their old electronic devices resulted in the collection of 813,579 pounds of e-waste at Hollins and three other universities October 10 – 13.

In partnership with the University of Richmond, Virginia Tech, and Old Dominion University, Hollins far surpassed the official goal of collecting 200,000 pounds of old computers, TVs, VCRs, cell phones, and other end-of-life electronics.

“The response to our call for e-waste from businesses, schools and households was overwhelming,” says Henderson. “We were thrilled to see so many people from our communities take advantage of the opportunity to safely recycle their old equipment while reducing the burden on our local solid waste systems as well as e-waste dumping sites overseas.”

Henderson notes that on Saturday, October 13, the designated “Community Day” for individuals to drop off materials at Hollins, more than 900 vehicles came through the campus in a six-hour period.

Hollins sent 17 tractor trailer trucks full of e-waste to Metech International, a Massachusetts recycling company. Nine of those trucks alone were filled on Community Day. The University of Richmond sent 10 trucks, while Virginia Tech and Old Dominion collected four-and-a-half and four truck loads, respectively.

“We want to thank everyone who helped make this event such a tremendous success,” says Henderson. “This endeavor is proof positive that we can work together to address the world’s e-waste crisis.”

To view photos from Hollins' E-Waste Recycling Event, click here.