Another chance to score some free stuff while disposing of your old computers and other e-junk starts Friday. The “Pull the Plug on e-Waste” event will take place at three Best Buy stores in Orange County on Friday and Saturday.
The first 100 cars each day will get a $5 Best Buy gift card. Everyone will also be entered into a contest to win a Toshiba Portégé R500, the laptop that has received one of the highest green ranking from the Green Electronics Council. Plus Jeff Levy, host of radio show “Jeff Levy on Computers” on KRLA, will be at the east Orange Best Buy on Friday to answer questions about computers.
The event is sponsored by Toshiba’s Digital Products Division, which is based in Irvine.
**UPDATE 9:36 a.m. ** Based on the first comment below, I should remind readers that it’s against the law in California to toss an old PC, monitor or other electronic with a screen into the trash. That’s why there’s a $6 to $10 fee tacked on to any electronics purchase that contain displays. Since these are considered hazardous waste, you’ll need to take it to a hazardous waste center. In Orange County, there are 4 such facilities. More details at oclandfills.com or check out my Guide to recycling e-Waste.
::details::
What? Pull the Plug on e-Waste, sponsored by Toshiba and Best Buy
Where?
East Orange Best Buy, 2375 N Tustin St, Orange
Fullerton Best Buy, 120 E Imperial Hwy, Fullerton
Mission Viejo Best Buy, 25422 El Paseo, Mission Viejo
When? 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on both Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11.
Items accepted: computers, computer monitors, printers, camcorders, fax machines, cell phones, TVs, VCRs, DVD players and audio equipment.
Related green-tech posts:
- O.C.’s green award winner turns sewer water into drinking water
- Toshiba names finalists for O.C. green innovation award
- Free software to help your PC conserve energy
- Bamboo hard drives NOT made in OC
- Your cell phone will get a charge out of this bag
- Intel’s tips for conserving PC power and saving money
- Fullerton students win honors in Microsoft eco-game contest
- Every thing is going green, even Ethernet
Tamara 'the Gadgetress' Chuang
Tim - I got the impression from most people’s comments that they were complaining you will only be getting $5 for recycling your old computer and not that you will have to pay the $5. I think most people expected to receive more from Best Buy. I know I did.
Simply drive your old e waste to Santa Ana. Leave it anywhere. Problem solved.
I think this is great because I was under the impression I would have to pay something to have them dispose of my old equipment so even if I am only getting a $5 gift card this is awesome. I think the article reads that you have already paid the $5.00 when you bought the computer not that you will get charged $5.00 upon taking the computer to the Best Buy on Friday - silly peoples.
The Ladera Ranch Farmer’s Market will be collecting E-Waste this Saturday the 11th from 9 am to 2 pm. You may not get a gift card, but if you’re local, it’s closer. And they’ll take it out of your vehicle too.
$5 - haha! The article even states that consumers get charged the $6-$10 fee. Why not get that back? It would cost me more than $5 in gas to drive to one of these Best Buys. I can make more money getting rid of my old computer and electronics from home.
The recycling plant next to OCC on Adams Ave. in Costa Mesa recycles e-waste now. I know they pay for paper, can, plastic, and glass recycling, but I do not know about the old electronics.
A joke? Typically, you get NOTHING for disposing of your e-waste. In fact, if you buy a computer or monitor in California, there’s an extra charge for the e-waste fee. It’s illegal, otherwise, to just toss an old PC or monitor into the trash. I’ve written extensively about why this exists and I’ll add those links into the post above.
$5, That’s it??? It would cost more in gas to drive over there. THIS IS A JOKE! Waste of time and money.