Buoyed by new legislation that sets up a program for the recycling of computer equipment in Texas, Round2 Technologies Inc. has opened a Houston branch office.
The Austin-based technology recycler’s new Houston facility at 2121 Brittmore, provides warehouse space for clients wanting to properly dispose of surplus or obsolete electronics.
“Our new Houston warehouse will be more convenient for many south Texas customers who are currently being served through our Austin headquarters,” said Randy Weiss, Round2 president. “The warehouse space is directly tied to our logistics department and can handle up to 15 tons of electronics per day.”
House Bill 2714 was passed by the Texas Legislature and sent to Gov. Rick Perry last week. The bill requires manufacturers that sell products in the state to finance free, convenient and environmentally sound recycling services for televisions, personal computers, laptops and monitors. Manufacturers can create their own take-back program or participate in a common program, but they must pay for collection and transportation in addition to recycling costs.
HB2714 has not been signed by Governor Perry yet, so there’s always that chance he could veto it. Hard to imagine why he would, but you never know, is all I’m saying. Houstonist has more about what you can recycle there, assuming nothing happens to queer the deal. One hopes that will be the case, as more and better recycling options are an unqualified Good Thing.
There was already some computer recycling in the Houston area, because I was able to recycle a number of old, non-working machines when Michael and I moved several years ago. I vaguely remember the place I took them was Eagle something-or-other in far southwest Houston.
Per the City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department website:
“Residential electronic scrap items accepted by the City of Houston are monitors, televisions, printers, keyboards, mice, scanners, fax machines, telephone handsets, VCRs, CPUs, cellular phones without batteries and other small consumer electronics.
Computers and related components contain hazardous materials that can leach into a community’s water supply. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), circuit boards, batteries, and mercury switches contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium.
Electronic scrap items can be dropped off at the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center or the Environmental Service Center (South and North).”