Free Geek founder starts up new e-waste recycling center

When I was taking the Master Recycler class we got to take a tour of Free Geek led by Founder Oso 'Bear' Martin. He had so much enthusiasm and passion for electronic waste recycling, it was infectious. Now, Bear has started another recycling center, Bear eCycling, located at 5432 SE 63rd Ave. (near Foster & Holgate). Bear eCycling takes most of the items that Free Geek takes, with two major additions: they will accept and disassemble television sets and microwave ovens. What's so important about this? Typically electronics are shipped overseas for disassembly and recycling in impoverished areas where workers are unprotected from the hazardous materials lurking inside electronics. Both Free Geek and Bear eCycling disassemble the electronics right here in Portland and try to find as many local recyclers for the parts before shipping them overseas responsibly.

Bear eCycling charges fees for recycling electronics that contain hazardous waste, like TVs, microwaves, computer monitors and CFLs. Other items like computers, telephones and printers don't carry a fee. They will also accept household alkaline batteries! Hooray!