McMaster University is adding yet another green initiative to its growing roster of environmentally-friendly programs. On Thursday, April 30, the Office of Sustainability and Department of Facility Services will be collecting outdated technological devices as part of McMaster's Earth Day celebration.

“Collection, reuse and recycling of technological devices has become an important area of focus because technological devices not only contain harmful chemicals such as cadmium, mercury and lead, but are also costly to dispose of in a responsible manner,” said Kate Whalen, manager, University Sustainability.

The McMaster community is invited to take advantage of this Earth Day event to dispose of computer equipment destined for the dump or that could be reused by someone else.

People can take equipment to a tent on the grassy mall in front of the Burke Science Building from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. Two tables will be set up: one for reusable equipment and one for equipment to be recycled. The reusable equipment will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis.

“By holding collection events we can ensure that our IT waste is being recycled to a high standard while reinforcing the importance of recycling,” said Whalen.

The recycling process will ensure that upwards of 90 per cent of the devices' components are diverted from the landfill. IT equipment can be refurbished and reused, or broken down into small pieces and sent through different phases of the recycling process that take out the glass, plastic, and metals.

Hard drives should be cleared of personal or confidential information before recycling. McMaster University will not be responsible for hard drive sanitation. You should also confirm with your supervisor before deciding on disposing of any University-owned equipment.

Departments disposing of equipment should either use their engraver and cross out their department identified provident number on their computers (or items or value over $1K) or remove from their departmental equipment inventory list in order to comply with the Insurance and Protection of Movable Assets program.

Here are some helpful links for hard drive sanitation:

For more information on this event or tips on clearing your hard drive, please contact Kate Whalen at 905-525-9140, ext. 21575 or whalenk@mcmaster.ca.

To arrange for the collection IT equipment, please contact Carlos Figueira of Facility Services at figueira@mcmaster.ca.