New models of computers, televisions and cell phones are coming out every day, and despite the economic downturn, consumers are buying electronic goods more than ever.

So what happens to all of the old, out-of-date electronic equipment?

It get’s thrown away! In 2007 an average of 112,000 computers were discarded each day. Sadly, only 18% of e-waste is being recycled.

Why only 18%? Because recycling electronic waste is inconvenient.

My Solution: A convenient e-waste pickup and recycling service.

Instead of consumers and businesses having to worry about finding a recycler, traveling and properly disposing their e-waste, a simple bin on the sidewalk and a phone number or website to schedule a pick up would do the trick.

Collected e-waste could then be filtered for reusable, resell-able and recyclable materials, and/or shipped to desired locations, thus diverting e-waste from ever entering a landfill and the environmentally harmful toxins that come with it.

If I were selected a winner, I would start this program in a small portion of San Diego. I would use publicity from winning the project to speak on local news stations and use social networking and limited advertisement to spread the word as well.

I would use the $20,000 in the following manner:
(These are just rough estimates)

-Warehouse collection space:$3500
-Business creation (including website):$3000
-Recycling Bin Creation (recycled from old bins, if possible):$1500
-Eco-Truck for Pickups:$5000
-Hired Employee Compensation:$5000
-Miscellaneous:$2000

It’s a small beginning, but with word-of-mouth and successful implementation, this program could go nationwide.