Ironbound Earth Day E-Waste Collection Event A Success In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of a Patch Newark community member. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Nearly 10,000 pounds of electronic waste was collected to be properly recycled at a free E-Waste Collection Event to mark Earth Day in the Ironbound District.

The event, presented in partnership by the City of Newark, the Ironbound Business Improvement District (IBID), Panasonic, Covanta and Urban Renewal Corp. at Peter Francisco Park and a new satellite collection site at BCB Bank on East Ferry Street, made it convenient and easy for local businesses and residents to recycle electronics like old TVs, PCs and laptops, printers, small household appliances, phones and other e-waste.

“We are pleased that our partnership for safety and cleanliness has had an important impact in our district and beyond, and our efforts are a way for local stakeholders to contribute to a cleaner environment in which to live, work and play in the Ironbound,” said Seth A. Grossman, the IBID’s Executive Director. “I want to recognize the important role of Brenda Anderson, Recycling and Clean Communities Coordinator for the City of Newark, who has helped make this event a success for many years. I’d also like to thank Angela Williams, Senior Aide to Mayor Ras J. Baraka, who joined us to underscore the city’s commitment to community-based initiatives like our e-waste collection event.”

“We are proud to provide members of the community this no-cost outlet for recycling their electronic products the proper way,” said David Thompson, Director of Panasonic’s Corporate Environmental Department. “Promoting sustainability on the greenest day of the year alongside the City of Newark, Ironbound Business Improvement District, Covanta, Urban Renewal Corp and BCB Bank is a special occasion we hope many residents take advantage of.”

“Covanta is proud to be a part of this important recycling initiative,” said Gordon Burgoyne, business manager for e-waste recycling at Covanta. “With technology moving at the speed of light, old equipment like computers, tablets and smart phones can pile up in our homes and the last thing you want to do with it is toss it in your regular trash. An event like this one provides a safe outlet to Newark residents to get rid of outdated electronics and ensures that the material is properly recycled, recovering valuable natural resources that will be used to make new products.”

“As a community bank we are committed to the communities we serve,” Tom Coughlin, President & CEO of BCB Bank concluded. “We are proud to have established roots in the Ironbound and look forward to participating in more neighborhood events.”

Additional e-waste collection events will be held in Newark at Hayes Park West in the Central Ward, 179 Boyd Street on Thursday June 10, at Vailsburg Park in the West Ward, South Orange Avenue and Oroton Parkway on Thursday September 23, and at Elwood Park in the North Ward, between Summer Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, on Thursday October 14.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.