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A pile of thrown out electronics ready to be recycled with an image of the Earth in front of it.

Education for all. Learn how to safely dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) to keep our planet healthy. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Let’s Erase Electronic Waste

What is EMEP?

  • EMEP is the acronym for E-waste Management Education Program.
  • EMEP teaches about the hazards of electronic waste (e-waste), the importance of recycling, and the benefits of being good stewards of the environment.
  • EMEP works to increase awareness and help individuals adopt safe e-waste management practices.

What does EMEP offer?

  • EMEP offers classes, seminars, workshops, and exhibits at learning levels that meet the needs of K–12th-grade youth as well as adults.
  • EMEP partners with local organizations to hold free e-cycling drives and e-waste campaigns for the general public.
  • EMEP can adjust its program to meet the needs of your class, business, community group or event.

E-waste

E-waste is defined as discarded electrical or electronic devices which are destined for refurbishment, reuse, resale, salvage recycling through material recovery, or disposal. Americans throw out over 9 million tons of e-waste every year. 

Common E-waste Products

  • Computers and laptops
  • Telephones and cell phones
  • Printers and printer cartridges
  • Televisions and radios
  • Household appliances

Harmful Substances Found in Electronics

  • Mercury affects the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves)
  • Arsenic causes lung cancer and damages the nervous system
  • Cadmium harms the liver and impairs fetal growth
  • Lead harms the brain, kidneys and nervous system
  • Chromium irritates the nose, throat, lungs, skin, and eyes

Benefits of Recycling E-waste

  • Saves energy
  • Generates revenue
  • Recovers precious metals
  • Reduces carbon footprints
  • Conserves natural resources
  • Reduces environmental pollution
  • Protects human and animal health
  • Cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions

Contact Us

Contact us to share your interest in joining a future in-person or online workshop. We can customize the workshops to meet the needs of your group, professional organization, or classroom.

Alabama Extension serves all 67 Alabama counties. If your county isn’t listed below, contact the nearest county on the list or the program specialist in the state office.

State Office, Alabama A&M University

Karnita Garner, Wildlife and Natural Resources Specialist

Office: (256) 372-8331 Email: kfg0003@aces.edu

Urban Centers - EMEP Program

The following urban regional Extension agents (UREAs) have expertise related to forestry, wildlife, and natural resources (FWNR). FWNR UREA Map 2021
CityOfficeEducatorPhone NumberEmail
BirminghamC. Beaty Hanna Horticulture & Environmental CenterBronson Lubresky(205) 879-6964brl0015@aces.edu
HuntsvilleAlabama A&M UniversityKarnita Garner(256) 372-8331kfg0003@aces.edu
MobileMobile County Extension OfficeJoel Potter(251) 574-8445potterj@aces.edu
MontgomeryMontgomery County ExtensionRoosevelt Robinson(334) 270-4133robinrl@aces.edu
MoultonLawrence County Extension

Allyson Shabel

(256) 974-2464ams0137@aces.edu

Alabama Extension. More in our cities

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