TVA, DOE Partner To ‘Grow’ Electronics-Recycling Center in Oak Ridge
July 15, 2003
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — TVA and distributors of TVA power will use and support the Oak Ridge National Recycling Center to recycle obsolete surplus electronic and computer equipment.
TVA and the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Operations Office have signed a memorandum of understanding to begin using the recycling center, which has a cost-effective, secure, and environmentally compliant process for reusing and recycling equipment. The center reconditions, refurbishes, remarkets and recycles computers, electronic systems and related equipment.
“By using the center, we will help keep usable equipment and hazardous materials out of our landfills and reduce costs and environmental liability,” said Steve Ayers, TVA procurement senior manager. “The center is focused on optimizing the computer equipment and 100 percent recycling, which is consistent with TVA’s program to donate hundreds of surplus computers to needy schools across the Tennessee Valley every year.”
The recycling center does not ship any equipment, components, or materials to other countries for disposal. Security safeguards are also provided to protect any information left on the equipment processed at the center.
Under the memorandum of understanding, TVA and distributors will provide the center with obsolete surplus electronic and computer equipment for the reuse/recycling production process and support the growth and expansion of the center.
The Oak Ridge National Recycling Center, a Tennessee-based private corporation that began operations in July 1999, is part of a pilot project sponsored by DOE and the Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee. The center provides full-service electronic recovery and recycling services to DOE and other federal agencies, state and local governments and businesses.
“We are pleased that two of the giants in our local economy have found a way to assist one of our client companies to grow and prosper,” Lawrence Young, president of CROET, said. “In a like manner, we are equally pleased that the recycling center can provide a valuable service to TVA and DOE, a service that will assure that our collective commitment to maintain a clean and healthy environment is fulfilled.”
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Michelle Chang, Knoxville (865-632-8108) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
