Electronics Recycling Goes Mainstream in 2012

Electronics are always hot items to give or receive over the holidays. Whether you have a new flatscreen TV, laptop, DVD or MP3 player your old electronics may be left waiting in a pile to go out with the trash.

Soon, tossing those items in the trash will no longer be an option. A new state law that went into effect Jan. 1 bans all electronics from landfills and requires recycling of electronics. Local government entities want residents to be aware of the impending change.

The electronics ban is part of Senate Bill 2106 that updated the state’s Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act, requiring all electronics to be recycled by a registered collector, recycler or manufacturer. Electronic items will no longer be taken away with the trash in regular bins and violating the law could lead to a $7,000 fine.

“Electronics are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. waste system and contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury,” DuPage County Environmental Committee Chairman Jeff Redick (District 2) said in a news release. “Unfortunately only 25 percent of electronics are recycled. The new electronics ban will ensure that people think twice before they throw an electronic away and hopefully they will seek other opportunities to either reuse the item or recycle it.”

In , the village's waste hauler, Waste Management, will not pick up any electronics left curbside with the exception of items classified as white goods, such as refrigerators and ovens.

The Village of Lemont now has an electronics recycling program, which allows residents to drop off unwanted electronics at the Public Works Department, 16680 New Ave., from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents are advised to call ahead before dropping of items (630-257-2532).

Items accepted at Public Works include:

• Personal computers
• Laptops
• Printers
• Monitors
• Copiers
• Computer cables
• Keyboards
• Mice
• Fax machines
• Televisions
• Home sound systems
• Calculators
• Microwave ovens
• VCR and DVD players
• CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes
• Video game consoles

The program is being offered in conjunction with COM2 Recycling Solutions.

For more information on the Village of Lemont's electronic recycling program, visit www.lemont.il.us, or call Economic Development Director Jim Brown at 630-257-1550.