Old battery operated toys and computers will be shipped overseas to a recycling plant as part of the Government's e-Waste initiative.

Over the weekend 200 people brought their electronic toys, hair dryers and computers to the Tynes Bay Facility for the final e-Waste collection of the year.

Enough recyclable waste was collected to fill one and half 20-foot containers. The e-Waste will be shipped to EPA-approved recycling facilities to ensure they are handled mindful of maximum concern for the environment and worker safety.

Minister Derrick Burgess said: “I would like to thank the environmentally conscious members of the community who took the time and effort to bring their e-Waste for recycling. It is very important to keep these items out of the waste stream as they contain many toxic and recyclable materials that require disposal or recycling in the correct manner. Thank you also to the Waste Management section of the Ministry of Public Works for its efforts in educating and encouraging Bermuda's residents to dispose of their waste in an appropriate manner.”

In 2009/2010, the Waste Management section sent 110 containers abroad for recycling: 26 containers of air conditioners, 24 containers of vehicle batteries, 14 containers of tin, seven containers of aluminum, six containers of other metals, 16 containers of motor oil, two containers of fluorescent tubes, four containers of transformers, one container of household batteries and 10 containers of e-Waste.

lFor further details on correct waste disposal, please visit www.wastemanagement.gov.bm, or the “What Goes Where” section in the BTC Phone Book, blue pages or e-mail recycle[AT]gov.bm.