• By the Advocate Editorial Board
• Originally published October 26, 2009 at 4:27 p.m., updated October 26, 2009 at 5:05 p.m.

We think recycling electronic waste is a benefit to our city and environment. If we had to discard all those outdated computers, monitors and other electronic equipment, the dump would be filled with material that would take hundreds, maybe thousands, of years to break down.

Besides, environmental laws now prohibit TVs and computers from landfills. Mercury, lead and other chemicals found in TVs and computers prevent these items from being among other trash in landfills.

So the city's electronic waste collection event, in which commercial entities paid 30 cents a pound, was a win-win situation because residents paid nothing.

Over two days, Friday and Saturday, residents brought computers, monitors, fax machines, copiers, printers and sundry like-items to the Victoria Community Center.

Our hopes are that the event becomes an annual event. We think it would be well attended if held every year.

"I really think we can continue to do this as an annual event. It's something we're going to have to do. We went about a year-and-a-half without having this event," said Darryl Lesak, assistant director of the city's environmental services department. He said people kept the e-waste waiting for the event.

Lesak said there were six semi-trucks loaded at the event to be taken to the recycling business in Fort Worth -- All Computer Recycling. But he has no immediate statistics.

"Early next week, we will have statistics from Fort Worth such as actual tonnage, how many companies participated and how many residents came," Lesak said.

This year's event was free for residents. And Lesak said the city would continue to seek out recycling companies who will not charge residents.

Early indications are the event was a huge success with residents all over the area participating.

Obviously, this is a service that will increase in participation as electronics become more widely spread. We think the event is great, and it is our hope the city continues to schedule these pickups.

This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.

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