KIRKLAND, Wash., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lucky recipients of a new TV, laptop or monitor for Christmas will have a new way to recycle their old equipment starting next week in Washington State. Effective January 1st of 2009, residents will be able to recycle computers, monitors, laptops and TVs through the new E-Cycle Washington program free of charge. The permanent program is funded by electronic manufacturers and there is no time limit for bringing in unwanted electronics for recycling.

"As part of Wal-Mart's commitment to sustainability, we are pleased to participate in the educational outreach to our consumers about the E-Cycle Washington program," stated Jennifer Spall, Wal-Mart Public Affairs Senior Manager. "Although we are not on the list of collection sites, we are proud to display the E-Cycle logo and carry information about the program in each of our 47 stores and three Sam's Clubs locations in Washington."

Wal-Mart's electronics Associates will be able to assist customers with information on how to reach the E-Cycle program and will display the new logo on shelves. Additionally, information about the E-Cycle Washington program will automatically be printed on customer's receipts for items covered under the program so consumers will know how to recycle items their purchase may be replacing.

"Electronics contain toxic materials and hazardous chemicals that can harm our health and the environment. E-cycling keeps them out of our landfills and incinerators, and promotes reuse of valuable materials in new products," added Spall. "Wal-Mart is proud to join electronics manufacturers, collectors, recyclers, other retailers, local and state government and non-profit groups who are working together on E-Cycle Washington."

The collector network has been established by electronics manufacturers, the Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority (WMMFA) and will include more than 200 individual collection sites around the state. Starting January 1, 2009 consumers should look for the E-Cycle Washington logo at collection sites and on promotional materials, this indicates that the location is an authorized collector and has agreed to the state's high processing standards.

E-Cycle Washington is designed to be free and easy for consumers, small businesses, small governments, non-profits, and schools. If you fall into one of these categories, you can take computers, monitors, laptops and TVs to any of the authorized collection sites for free recycling. If you have larger quantities (generally over 10 units), please call the WMMFA at 1-866-779-6632 for alternate handling arrangements.

For information about the E-Cycle Washington program or to find a drop-off location near you, please visit: www.ecyclewashington.org

If you have unwanted electronics you need to recycle before January 1, 2009, you can recycle them for a fee at several locations. Visit www.takeitbacknetwork.org or http://1800RECYCLE.wa.gov or call 1-800-RECYCLE to find a location near you.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)

Every week, millions of customers visit Walmart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $296 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.



SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.