Skip to Content

[X] CLOSEMENU

Back to 2024 News Archive

NERC in the News

Windsor Receives Silver Recognition for Recycling Efforts

Journal Inquirer; Manchester, Connecticut; May 13, 2011

Daily Journal

WINDSOR — For a second time, the State Electronics Challenge, a national environmental stewardship program, has given the town Silver Recognition from the National Program of Environmental Accomplishments.

Lynn Robinson, the State Electronics Challenge Program Manager, said, “Through green purchasing, minimizing the use of energy and paper, and responsible recycling of computer equipment, the Town of Windsor has achieved measurable results, and as a result is being awarded silver recognition.” commented Lynn Rubinstein, State Electronics Challenge Program Manager.

Through its efforts, the Town saved enough energy to power almost 100 Connecticut households, avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 75 cars from the road, and avoided more than 16,000 pounds of hazardous waste from being created.

Among the steps that the Town took to achieve these results were to extend the life of computer equipment to an average of 76 months, and only buying computer equipment that has earned the highest “green” rating as measured by the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT®).

“The Town of Windsor participates in the State Electronic Challenge because we want to recycle as much as well as decrease the amount of heavy metals in our landfill. The staff of the State Electronic Challenge has provided ideas, guidance, and contacts to accomplish this goal,” Cyd Groff, Environmental Planner & Wetlands Agent for the Town of Windsor.

The Town also achieved impressive results by recycling more than 60,000 pounds of computer equipment using a company that is certified to the stringent e-Stewards® environmental standard.

The State Electronics Challenge assists state, regional, and local governments to reduce the environmental impact of their computers.  It annually recognizes the accomplishments of Partner organizations. The Challenge is a voluntary program developed and administered by the Northeast Recycling Council. It provides an opportunity for state, regional, and local government to reduce the environmental impact of the more than $35 billion worth of technology equipment purchased annually by state and local governments in the U.S. Currently, 63 state, regional, and local government agencies, collectively employing 70,000 people, have joined the SEC as Partners. For more information on the SEC, including a list of current Partner organizations, visit www.stateelectronicschallenge.net.