The University of Hawaii will host a free electronics e-waste recycling event in October.

This will be the fourth of the biennial recycling events. In 2010, the university collected about 70 shipping containers, or 1.3 million pounds, of e-waste.

Families, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and government offices can bring computers, televisions, printers and other electronic goods to seven drop-off sites.

The event will be conducted between Oct. 25 and Oct. 27 at the six UH campus locations on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii island and at Kealakehe High School in Kailua-Kona.

"All equipment collected is processed in an environmentally responsible method and recycled into commodity grade materials," UH said in a news release Wednesday.

For collection times and information concerning the types of equipment accepted, go to www.hawaii.edu/ewaste.

Americans own approximately 24 electronic products per household, the Consumer Electronics Association estimates. Most are discarded into landfills where they can cause health or environmental contamination problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

"The University of Hawaii System and our campuses are committed to responsible disposal of our e-waste and we’re delighted that we are able to extend this free program to schools, small businesses, nonprofits and government agencies on four islands," said David Lassner, UH vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

Pre-registration is required for schools, small businesses, nonprofits and government offices. Registration is not required for households who recycle on Oct. 27. The recycling and disposal services are provided by Apple Inc.