NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA), Haier, the City of Los Angeles, and Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) today announced that they are joining together to host the first NBA All-Star E-waste Recycling Day presented by Haier at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb.12.  Fans dropping off their old electronics will receive tickets to Family Day (Monday, Feb. 21) at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas while supplies last. Jam Session will take place at the Convention Center Feb. 18 to 21.

“The City of Los Angeles is proud to partner with the NBA to motivate fans to bring their old televisions, computer monitors, and other electronic waste to the NBA All-Star E-waste Recycling Day,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa.  “Innovative public-private partnerships such as this are one of the reasons why Los Angeles diverts and recycles more solid waste from landfills than any other big city in nation.”

NBA Legend Mitch Richmond will be on hand to welcome fans bringing electronic products nearing the end of their useful life, such as computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines to the Convention Center Parking Lot at 1101 W. Pico Blvd. beginning at 9:00 a.m. PST. Collection will continue through 3:00 p.m. PST.  Fans can view a complete list of accepted and non- accepted items at www.nbacares.com.

“Our participation in the NBA All-Star E-waste Recycling Day continues Haier’s commitment to sustainability practices throughout the entire product lifecycle,” said Haier America President, Digital Products Group Douglas Lane.  “We want to ensure that when consumers phase out their old electronics, they do it in a manner that is best for the environment.”

The NBA, in partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Unite For Green, and AEG, is introducing additional greening efforts to make NBA All-Star 2011 environmentally friendly and sustainable.  These efforts, which include expanding recycling efforts in the arena and at Jam Session, an increased number of education programs, greater use of sustainable flatware, and eco-friendly linens to further eliminate waste and energy conservation, are an outgrowth of a sustained leaguewide commitment to environmental awareness.

“We couldn’t think of a better start to what should be an exciting week for NBA fans in Los Angeles,” said Electronic Recyclers International CEO John S. Shegerian.  “It is truly a pleasure for us to join forces with the NBA, Haier, and the City of Los Angeles to encourage fans to take part in making the city a better and greener place for everyone.”

This season, the NBA is continuing to take steps to become a more environmentally responsible organization and will continue to explore ways to improve in this area.  The league will hold its annual NBA Green Week from April 3 to 10, during which the entire NBA family will team up to generate awareness and funding to protect the environment through oncourt activations and community service projects.

About Haier America
Haier America is the Sales and Marketing arm of the Americas for the multinational Haier Group, the world’s largest white goods brand. Headquartered in the Haier Building at 1356 Broadway in New York City, Haier America is a leader for room air conditioner, compact refrigerator, and wine cellar sales, as well as a leading force in major appliances, compact appliances, portable electronics and HDTV sales. Haier is an Official Marketing Partner and the Official High Definition Television of the NBA. www.haieramerica.com

About City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation
The Bureau of Sanitation protects public health and the environment through the administration and management of three major program areas: Clean Water (Wastewater), Solid Resources (Solid Waste Management) and Watershed Protection (Stormwater). These infrastructure programs collect, treat, dispose and recycle the solid and liquid waste generated by the nation’s second largest city of more than four million residents in a 468 square mile area. Through these essential programs, the Bureau delivers a triple bottom line of economic, environmental and social benefits that sustain the quality of life in the City of Los Angeles. For more information about the Bureau of Sanitation, visit www.lacitySAN.org.

About Electronic Recyclers International
Now the leading recycler of electronic waste in the world, Fresno-headquartered Electronic Recyclers International is licensed to de-manufacture and recycle televisions, computer monitors, computers, and other types of electronic equipment.   ERI processes more than 140 million pounds of electronic waste annually in its six locations in California, Washington, Colorado, Indianapolis, Massachusetts and Texas.  For more information about e-waste recycling and ERI, call 1-800-884-8466 or visit http://www.electronicrecyclers.com.