SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The University of San Diego Wednesday opened a permanent recycling facility where San Diegans can dispose of cell phones, computer monitors and other e-waste.
The center is located in an industrial complex below the school's west entrance, off Linda Vista Road.
"Many electronics end up in landfills and in developing countries where the metals and other contaminants pose a danger to people and introduce toxics into the environment," said Michael Catanzaro, USD's director of sustainability.
"USD's efforts will properly recycle these products in California and help mitigate this growing problem," he said.
The center will be staffed by students, and funds raised will go toward scholarships, according to USD.
The regular hours will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 7 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
The center is open extended hours Wednesday -- through 7 p.m. -- and Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., as USD joins the city's other major universities in celebrating Earth Week.
San Diego State University will hold an Earth Day celebration Thursday and, earlier this week, hosted an art and fashion exhibit with materials made from recycled materials.
UC San Diego held a three-day electronic waste collection event, and on Thursday volunteers will plant sycamore trees next to the Sixth College apartments on Gilman Drive.
