Lincoln gets another e-waste recycling option

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By The Lincoln Journal Star

Schrock Innovations says it will accept old computers, monitors and other computer equipment with no fees.

Company owner Thor Schrock called the change in policy a major change in the options available to Lincoln businesses and residents. Typically, businesses are charged a fee by a recycling company to accept old computer equipment.

Schrock said the metal is removed from cases and drives, lithium batteries are removed and all recyclable fasteners — such as screws and rivets — are recycled completely.

Electronic waste is becoming an increasing concern for communities because the rapid advance in technology is creating more and more obsolete computers.

More than 75 percent of outdated computers are stored by businesses and consumers because of a lack of disposal options, according to the National Council of Safety. 

By next year there will be more than 500 million obsolete computers in the country in storage, the group said.

“We do not get paid for doing this,” Schrock said. “We simply separate the recyclable materials much like you would separate aluminum and steel cans. We then send each material to a licensed company who can recycle it properly.”

Gene Hanlon, the city’s recycling coordinator, said the announcement is good news.

“We like to see the private sector step up and provide recycling services to the public,” Hanlon said.

Hanlon estimates about one-third of households in Lancaster County store old computer equipment.

There are other e-waste disposal options in Lincoln. People can donate old computers to nonprofit groups like the Lincoln Action Program or to companies that recycle electronic waste for a fee.

The local companies are: Computer Renaissance, 330 N. 48th St., Suite B, 465-4040; and Environmental Compliance Enterprises, 466-2268.

Businesses or individuals can contact Schrock Innovations at 423-9595.