Where's my Walkman?: Urbandale's Electronics Recycling Day

Start gathering up your old electronic equipment. Then mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 24.

That's the day the city of Urbandale will collect electronics for recycling. For free. Consider it a little fall housecleaning before Urbandale's annual spring cleanup.

Here's what you can get rid of and still be green:

• Televisions, VCRs, gaming consoles.
• Cameras, cables and cords.
• Stereos and radios, DVD and CD players
• Calculators, copiers, fax machines, paper shredders
• Thermostats
• Home and cell phones (including all accessories).
• Computers and accessories (monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, routers, scanners, speakers)

Here's what you can't unload: Other household appliances or other "white goods."

The only thing you have to do is drive your stuff to the collection point — the city public works facility, 9401 Hickman Road — between 8 a.m. and noon Saturday.

This is the first time the city has collected electronics for recycling, said Tim Stovie, assistant director of Public Works for the city. A grant from Metro Waste Authority for up to $2,000 will pay for the event, he said.

"We don't have any idea whether we'll get 30 customers or 100 customers," he said "I hope it's 100. If it's successful, we'll do it again," he said.

According to Earth911.com, electronics waste accounts for 70 percent of toxic waste currently in landfills. Electronics often contain hazardous materials such as mercury or lead.

They also contain copper and aluminum, metals whose value has increased in recent years, making recycling more profitable.

If you miss the city's collection day, several businesses, including Best Buy or Staples, will recycle your old electronics. 

If you have any questions, call city's Department of Engineerifng and Public Works at 278-3950 or email engpw@urbandale.org