ELECTRONICS Recycling is being offered by the Shiawassee Conservation District in just over a week. These file photos are from a recycling collection two years ago. (Independent File Photos/BILL CONSTINE)
The Shiawassee Conservation District will be holding an Electronics Recycling Collection 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3, at the USDA Service Center, 1900 S. Morrice Road (just off S. M-52), Owosso.
Electronics will be accepted free of charge, with the exception of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs and computer displays, which will be accepted for a small fee to help cover the high cost of recycling.
Electronic waste, or e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the country. Untreated e-waste may contain hazardous materials, which can adversely affect the environment and public health. CRT TVs and computer displays contain approximately 5 to 10 pounds of lead in each unit.
The Shiawassee Conservation District, with financial assistance provided by Shiawassee County’s funds from Waste Management, will cover 60 percent of the fee to recycle CRT’s, charging only $0.10 per pound. Full price would be $0.25 per pound. “We have held three countywide electronic waste recycling events since the fall of 2013 collecting approximately 70,000 pounds of e-waste, and it is estimated that 49,000 pounds of that was CRT devices,” states District Manager Melissa Higbee. “We recognize that there continues to be a real need in Shiawassee County for electronics recycling at a reasonable rate, and we are happy to be able to continue offering this service.” The fee for CRTs must be paid at the time of drop off. The discounted fee is only available until all funds are expended. Other electronics and media will be collected at no charge.
Other items accepted free of charge include broken or unwanted flat screen TVs and computer monitors, computers and computer components, cell phones, electric power tools and small appliances. Batteries, toner cartridges, VHS tapes, CDs and floppy discs will also be accepted. Items that will not be accepted include light bulbs, refrigerators, large appliances and dehumidifiers.
The Electronic Recycling Collection event is coordinated by the Shiawassee Conservation District through a partnership with Comprenew® electronics recycler. Comprenew® is the only nonprofit electronics recycler based in Michigan that is licensed and registered by the State of Michigan and certified R2:2008 for Responsible Recycling. All equipment collected will be destroyed and recycled in the U.S. in accordance with all local, state and federal guidelines, regulations and laws pertaining to the collection, transportation and recycling of electronic equipment.
For more, persons may contact the Shiawassee Conservation District at (989) 723-8263, ext. 3 regarding the District’s Electronic Recycling Program.
