DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty and Drew Banas, Executive Director, Loyalhanna Watershed Assn. DEP Photo

Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty this week honored the Loyalhanna Watershed Association for operating the state’s only privately run e-cycling program, which provides a convenient location for residents to dispose of small household, office and computer items free of charge.

The Association was one of 12 winners of the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, announced April 12.

“The Loyalhanna Watershed Association is at the forefront of electronics recycling in Pennsylvania,” Secretary McGinty said during a tour of the facility. “By providing a way for residents to safely recycle outdated electronics, the association is ensuring the safe management of hazardous components and enabling the recovery and reuse of valuable materials.”

Since the start of the Loyalhanna Watershed Association’s e-cycling program, more than 76 tons of electronics have been recycled. On average, the program -- which attracts recyclers from as far away as Fox Chapel, Allegheny County, and Indiana, Indiana County -- recycles 275 computers and 225 televisions each year.

Electronics differ from traditional aluminum can and newspaper recycling efforts in that electronics contain materials that can be hazardous to the environment, including lead, mercury, silver, chromium, zinc and cadmium. These toxic materials can present environmental and public health problems. E-cycling reduces the amount of toxics entering the waste stream, saves landfill space and conserves natural resources.

The association’s e-cycling program is now one of just 13 in Pennsylvania, and the only one run by a private organization. As of last fall, Loyalhanna’s program was one of only four free permanent electronics recycling centers in the state.

“The association’s efforts offer residents insights to help them not only minimize pollution and create a better environment, but also to support the economy by helping to build the market for recycled products,” Secretary McGinty said.

Pennsylvania’s recycling industry is a leader in employment, payroll and sales numbers. More than 3,247 recycling and reuse businesses and organizations generate more than $18.4 billion in gross annual sales and provide jobs for more than 81,322 employees at an annual payroll of approximately $2.9 billion. These businesses add more than $305 million in taxes to the state treasury.

In 2004, nearly 4.8 million tons of waste was recovered in Pennsylvania. The economic value of remaking that waste into new and useful products exceeded $113 million. Communities avoided more than $259 million in disposal costs based on the estimated statewide average disposal cost of $54 per ton.

Link: 12 Winners Announced for Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

4/21/2006