On October 10-13, 2007, Hollins University became the epicenter of the E-Waste Recycling Campaign in the state. The goal was to collect 200 tons of e-waste, it is estimated that the statewide initiative to encourage Virginians to recycle their old electronic devices resulted in the collection of an estimated 655,000 pounds of e-waste at Hollins and three other universities. The other institutions participating in the event were Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, and the University of Richmond with a volunteer contingent at Hampden-Sydney College.
Along with many other serious issues facing our environment, the world is experiencing a crisis in electronic waste. Toxic materials such as lead, mercury, chlorine and bromine are commonly used in producing computers and other electronics, and if these devices are dumped into solid waste systems after they have outlived their usefulness, the toxins can seep from landfills into groundwater or be released by incinerator emissions or ash. According to the environmental group Basel Action Network, at least 5 million tons of e-waste are improperly discarded in the United States each year. Much of it gets sent to developing countries, which don't have properly trained workers to dispose of it.
The Hollins’ E-Waste Recycling Event is a major step to raise awareness in the community about the dangers involved in recycling e-waste and the positive benefits of proper recycling as evidenced by the participation from industry, education, government and local households. Just on October 13th, more than 900 vehicles traveled to the Hollins campus to participate in “Community Day” which was designated for individuals to drop off their e-waste. The university sent 17 tractor trailer trucks full of e-waste to Metech International, a Massachusetts recycling company. Nine of those trucks alone were filled on Community Day. The University of Richmond sent 10 trucks, while Virginia Tech and Old Dominion collected four-and-a-half and four truck loads, respectively.