PACT (People Acting in Community Together) community leaders from Temple Emanu-El in San Jose plan a meeting June 1 at 7 p.m. at the synagogue, 1010 University Ave., to urge government officials and the public to use e-Steward certified recyclers and to adopt policies that will guarantee safe recycling of computers, printers, TVs and cell phones.

E-Stewards certification identifies companies that have committed to a variety of actions in an effort to ensure that recycling of electronic waste will not result in toxic materials being exported to developing countries, will not be disposed of in incinerators or landfills, will not be disposed of in a manner that puts the health and safety of recycling workers at risk, will not result in private data being exposed and will not be processed by prisoners without the same protections as private sector workers.

Developing countries where e-waste is shipped often show extremely high levels of lead and toxic chemicals in the soil, air and water, creating hazards for the people, many of them children, who sift through the debris looking for metals they can sell.

Several officials have been invited to the session, including District 2 Councilman Ash Kalra. According to PACT, Councilman Kansen Chu has confirmed that he will attend. The organization is seeking a commitment from the city of San Jose to use only e-Steward certified recyclers.