Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Lauren Zalaznick, President of "Green is Universal," NBC Universal's  company-wide environmental initiative,  today announced "Green Screens," a large-scale electronics recycling drive taking place throughout the five boroughs this weekend in honor of "America Recycles Day." At the event, from 8:00 AM through 2:00 PM on Saturday November 15th and Sunday November 16th, computers, televisions, cell phones, radios, cameras, VCRs, speakers, telephones and other electronics will be collected for free at six locations across the City. The electronic waste collected at the Green Screen events will be recycled; materials that have value will be recovered and toxins and other hazardous materials will be safely and legally disposed of. The City and NBC Universal are presenting Green Screens in partnership with NBC 4; Time Warner Cable; the Daily News; radio stations 101.9 RXP, Hot 97, 98.7 Kiss FM, WNYC Radio 93.9 FM and AM 820; Bridgewaters To Go; NYC & Company, GreeNYC - the consumer education platform of PlaNYC; the Council on the Environment for New York City; and the Department of Sanitation.

"This weekend is the time for New Yorkers to take the laptops and computer monitors in the back of the closet and safely recycle them," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Recycling is not just about metal, glass, plastic and paper. Electronics are a significant part of the waste stream and we need to do a better job capturing them to meet the ambitious goals in PlaNYC and the Solid Waste Management Plan. I'd like to thank our partners in Green Screens for doing their part to promote electronics recycling and for joining our effort to build a greener, greater New York." 

All goods collected will be recycled by Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) which has documented its compliance with DTSC, EPA, CIWMB, and OSHA regulations.  ERI has a "Cradle to Grave" bar code tracking system which tracks all materials through every stage of the recycling process. This system ensures compliance with all environmental regulations, as well the destruction of any personal information contained inside materials that are dropped-off.  ERI was also among the first recyclers of e-waste to be certified by the Basel Action Network, a non-profit environmental watchdog organization, as part of its e-Steward Initiative, an independently audited and accredited electronic waste recycler certification program. The initiative certifies recyclers of e-waste that appropriately recycle electronics to benefit the environment and citizens of the world.

"We are thrilled to be supporting this worthy cause in partnership with the Mayor," said Lauren Zalaznick." As NBC Universal launches its ‘Green Your Routine' campaign, we hope to increase awareness among consumers that taking very simple green steps, like recycling a cell phone, will help make New York a more sustainable City."

"NBC 4 New York is proud to be a partner in this important and proactive program that will raise awareness about this issue and encourage the community to do its share in keeping our environment safe," said Tom O'Brien, President & General Manager of WNBC.

"NYC & Company is pleased to be a partner in the Green Screens initiative and to have developed the design and marketing program for the campaign," said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company." Green Screens is yet one more example of New York City's continued commitment to becoming an even more sustainable City.  We encourage New Yorkers to participate this weekend and to take the opportunity to learn more about the simple steps they can take everyday to live a greener lifestyle."

"As the Department of Sanitation works to make our City not only cleaner, but greener, we are always looking for ways to expand recycling opportunities for New Yorkers," said Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty. "This partnership opportunity helps us do just that, particularly at a time when the City is faced with additional budget pressures."

"The Council on the Environment of NYC and its Office of Recycling Outreach and Education (OROE) are pleased to assist the event sponsors in organizing this important effort to keep end-of-life electronic waste from disposal in landfills or incinerators," said CENYC Executive Director Marcel Van Ooyen. "OROE welcomes this opportunity to fulfill its mission by supporting and promoting activities that allow the public to go ‘beyond' curbside recycling, and to assist the Administration in achieving the ambitious recycling goals established by the Mayor in his landmark Solid Waste Management Plan."

"For New Yorkers, recycling should be top of mind," said Harriet Novet, Regional Vice President, Public Affairs, Time Warner Cable New York City Region.  "Time Warner Cable has taken many steps to reduce energy consumption and save paper, like converting our newsletter to electronic form. Our partnership with NBC Universal and The Mayor's office is an extension of our overall commitment to the green movement, and we encourage New Yorkers to participate in this important recycling initiative."

The locations are as follows and will be open from 8:00 AM through 2:00 PM:

Manhattan

• Saturday only: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza (W. 126th St. bet. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and Malcolm X Blvd.)
• Sunday only: Cooper Square (Cooper Square bet. E. 6th and 7th Sts.)

The Bronx

• Saturday and Sunday: Joyce Kilmer Park (Grand Concourse bet. E. 161st and 163rd Sts.)

Brooklyn

• Saturday and Sunday: McCarren Park (Bedford Ave. near N. 12^th St.)

Staten Island

• Saturday and Sunday: Staten Island Mall (2655 Richmond Ave. at Parking Lot F)

Queens

• Saturday and Sunday: Cunningham Park (Union Turnpike bet. 196th Pl. and 197th St.)

The February 17, 2009 transition to digital TV is expected to increase the number of old TVs replaced with newer models. Older cathode ray tube (CRT) sets contain lead and other toxins. Recycling these older television sets is an easy way New Yorkers can contribute to improving the environment - an estimated 87.5 percent of electronic waste that could be recycled is instead deposited into landfills each year.