City Gets More Electronics Recycling

Somerville has increased the list of electronics items it will accept into its recycling program, according to an announcement from the city.

Residents have always been able to recycle TVs and computer monitors, it says, but now residents will also be able to recycle desktop and laptop computers, servers, server racks, networking equipment, printers, copiers, telephones, scanners, keyboards, projectors, battery backups, toner and ink cartridges, and electronic and audio equipment, the announcement says.

Recycling these things is free, but there's one catch. Well, it's not really a catch, it's just that you have to bring these items to the city's Department of Public Works yard at 1 Franey Rd., behind Trum Field. You can do so Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and you'll need to show proof of residency or a business license.

Residents can continue to place TVs and computer monitors on their curbs on regular trash pickup days, the announcement says.

It says the expanded recycling program could save Somerville $75,000 a year in disposal fees.

Protek Recycling will process these recycled electronics goods, in some cases repairing them and donating them to non-profits, in other cases disassembling them by hand to get at reusable material, the announcement says.