The National Institute of Telecommunications (Inatel) is promoting an electronic waste collection campaign this Saturday, the 3rd, in the city of Santa Rita do Sapucaí, in Minas Gerais (MG). The activity will begin at 9 am in Santa Rita Square, a location where the public can drop off unused devices to be sent to the correct destination.
The types of materials accepted include televisions, smartphones, computers, batteries, and various other electronic equipment. The purpose of this initiative is to prevent such items from being thrown into regular trash or inappropriate locations, thereby reducing the risks of soil and water contamination.
After the collection phase, all equipment undergoes a sorting process. Those in good condition may be donated to social assistance institutions or have their components reused. Materials that cannot be used are sent to specialized companies for the treatment and final disposal of electronic waste.
This campaign is part of the Social Responsibility Day activities and is integrated into the project called 'Electronic Waste – Don't discard this idea,' which Inatel has been developing since 2008. According to the institution, over 720 tons of electronic waste have already been collected during this period.
Besides Santa Rita do Sapucaí, this semester's schedule foresees collection actions in other locations in the region. The next scheduled dates are: October 23rd, in Jesuânia; November 5th, in Andradas; November 13th, in Carmo de Minas; November 24th, in São Lourenço; and December 2nd, in Cambuí. Cities interested in hosting the campaign can contact the organizing team through the project's website or via email at lixoeletronico@inatel.br.