Electronics Collection Days to Benefit May Institute; E-Cycling Offers Convenience, Cost Savings, Community and Environmental Benefits

09/30/08

Randolph, Mass. — May Institute, an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services for individuals with autism and other special needs, announces a special series of e-cycling events to be held in the Boston area.

“Don’t Just Recycle, E-cycle” is the theme of three e-cycling events scheduled for the following dates and locations:

 

E-cycling, the reuse of computers and electrical devices, is taking communities by storm. Most Americans do not have curbside pick-up of electronics like appliances, televisions, air conditioners, sewing machines, lawn mowers, and keyboards. Many communities do not have a community landfill capable of taking or storing electronic waste; those that do typically charge a significant fee to the consumer to dispose of electronic waste. E-cycling offers a convenient, cost-effective alternative to stockpiling or illegal dumping of old electronics (essentially any item with an electrical cord), and provides a unique opportunity to support nonprofit organizations and global environmental goals.

Local residents have the opportunity to realize the benefits of e-cycling by bringing their “e-waste” to either location. For a small tax deductible fee, May Institute will collect and safely dispose of all items. “Every dollar counts,” said Heidi Howard, M.P.A., Chief of Business Development at May Institute. “Local community support plays a major role in helping us reach out to families who are in need of services that are so important for giving their children the best future possible.”

Computers, televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, and other electronics are collected, destroyed, and reconstituted to be sold to construction and other companies. The process guarantees that no personal data can be retrieved or stolen from computer hard drives. Other items are either recycled or disposed of according to regulations, depending upon condition.

Fees range from $5 to $20 per item, depending on size. Some items, including cell phones, PDAs, keyboards, mice, and cables can be donated free of charge. Carloads with five or more items and trucks or SUVs with 10 or more items will receive a 10% discount. Area businesses are welcome to participate. Small business and residential pick-ups are available in most areas by calling (781) 834-9606. Checks and cash will be accepted. For more information, contact Dana Pellitteri at (781) 437-1457 or dpellitteri@mayinstitute.org, or visit www.mayinstitute.org.

About May Institute

May Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and other behavioral healthcare needs. The Institute also provides training and consultation services to professionals, organizations, and public school systems.

Since its founding over 50 years ago, May Institute has evolved into an award-winning national network that serves over 25,000 individuals and their families annually. The Institute operates four special education schools for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, and a school for children and adolescents with brain injury. An active center of research and training, the Institute maintains affiliations with more than 40 universities, hospitals and human service agencies worldwide.