MIRI: The E-Waste Recycling Campaign 2010 (E-Waste) will accept electrical and electronic appliances or gadgets from the public.

The convergence of ICT and household electric and electronic appliances have blurred the lines between computer and non-computer equipment today such that computer chips may also be used in the more advanced appliances.

"We should also accept electrical and electronic household items that the public bring in during the E-Waste campaign," said Miri City Council (MCC) chairman and Miri mayor, Lawrence Lai, during a press conference jointly held with the Computer Sales and Services Association Sarawak, Miri branch (CSSA) in his chamber yesterday.

Lai had suggested that the E-Waste campaign to include electrical/ electronic gadgets brought in by the public for recycling.

"This would reduce the incidence of illegal dumping of household appliances.

"Why not donate what you cannot use to E-Waste and help save the environment," said Lai who hoped that the contractor appointed by CSSA would be able to collect the electrical goods for recycling.

The E-Waste organising chairman, Victor Kuan had raised the problem that CSSA faced the lack of manpower in handling additional household appliances like TV, radio, refrigerator, VCD/DVD players should the scope of E-Waste be widened to cover more than just computers and accessories.

"I am not sure if the contractor can widen its scope to receive the electrical goods too.

"If it is inclusive of big items like the refrigerator and TV, we will really need help (in terms of more manpower)," said Kuan who also indicated that more than 700 eco-bags would be exchanged for items brought in for recycling.

MCC and CSSA will be holding the E-Waste campaign on July 31 (Saturday) at the car park of Miri Indoor Stadium from 11am to 5pm.

MCC and companies like Fuji Xerox and Acer have sponsored the eco-bags to be given to those who bring in their disused computer parts for recycling, where one eco bag will be given for every 10 kg of e-waste.

"So far, quite a number of companies in the private sector has contacted me to make arrangements to collect the old and disused items from their premises," he said.

MCC has been championing this cause for years in the aim to make Miri a clean and healthy city for Mirians.

A recycling company has been appointed and made responsible to carry out this task and proceeds of the campaign will be donated to charities.

"We urge all Mirians to support this noble cause by bringing their old and disused computer components and accessories for recycling.

"The E-Waste campaign is held as part of the Sarawak ICT Expo 2010 to open from July 30 to August 1," he added.

Companies and government agencies can call Kuan at 013-815 1068 to make arrangements to collect their e-wastes.

(News from the Borneo Post)