De Anza College hosted the city of Cupertino’s first recycling event of the year Jan. 21.  

Recycling companies Recology and AERC Com-Cycle accepted household and electronic items to be recycled. Despite the rainy weather, turnout was strong.

“These events are a hit and miss. We had up to 400 drop-offs with a storm going on,” said Lynell Johnson, the corporate social responsibility director of Recology. 

Cupertino residents dropped off furniture and electronic waste including television monitors, cell phones, batteries and light bulbs. Recyclable garbage collected at the event was sent off to recycling facilities to be taken apart.

Electronics need to be deconstructed appropriately before they can be sold as reusable recycled material. Toxic and radioactive substances found in electronic devices, such as mercury and beryllium, pollute the environment if left in landfills.

Light bulbs contain mercury that must be removed properly. Recycling facilities such as Com-Cycle must be properly licensed in order to perform this process.

“Electronic waste comes to our facility to be recycled,” said Frank Alioto, president of Com-Cycle. “Electronics are taken apart and pieces such as plastic and aluminum are sold.”

Com-Cycle has a “zero-waste-to-landfill” policy meant to prevent electronic goods from ending up in landfills.

The event did not accept hazardous household waste or painted furniture, but Cupertino residents can call 1-800-449-7589 to schedule a pick up.