Save the earth and help the less fortunate

Logan County recycle electronics day Oct. 23    

[OCT. 7, 2004]  The disposal of personal computers and other consumer electronics has become problematic for both individual households and businesses. Also known as e-waste, computers and other consumer electronics are a fast-growing portion of the waste stream, raising environmental concerns over the sheer volume and potential toxicity. In response, the Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency is sponsoring an electronics recycling collection for Logan County residents on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. till noon at the Logan County Fairgrounds. Recyclers will need to enter the fairgrounds using the Short 11th Street (south gate) entrance.

The electronics recycling collection is a collaborative effort between the Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency and Retro-Tech Electronics Inc., a not-for-profit organization, whose primary objective is to provide low-income or disabled individuals or households with refurbished computers and other electronic technologies free or at a reduced cost. Additionally, Retro-Tech Electronics provides the opportunity for communities to recycle computers and other household electronics in an environmentally responsible manner, resulting in the removal of these items from area landfills.

The following working and nonworking electronic items will be accepted: computer equipment, including hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers and scanners; entertainment equipment, including TVs (no consoles), radios, stereos, VCRs, DVDs, and game systems; small household appliances, including microwaves, blenders, mixers, food processors, toasters and toaster ovens; and small business equipment, including copiers, fax machines, typewriters and calculators. Cellular phones will be collected for donation to the Sojourn Outreach Program, a local service provider to individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

Computers and other electronic equipment can contain significant quantities of hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, lithium, nickel and zinc. The potential exists for serious health and environmental consequences if electronic equipment is not properly handled and disposed of. Logan County residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to properly dispose of obsolete or nonworking electronic items.

If you have questions regarding the electronic recycling collection, contact Mitzi Rohlfs, Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency coordinator, at 732-9636.

[News release from Mitzi Rohlfs, Logan County Joint Solid Waste Agency coordinator]