Curbside Does Not Mean Recycled

Many people misunderstand that placing old computers and other recyclable electronics at the curb doesn’t mean they’re slated for recycling. In fact, that’s the surest way for them to end up in a landfill. A Wisconsin county is trying to put an end to the waste.

Jeff Gloyd, Manager of the county’s Household Hazardous Waste Program, said: “While it’s not illegal for residents to place electronics at the curb for pick up, those will be buried in the county landfill. That means some hazardous materials, such as mercury, cadmium and lead, have the potential to pollute the ground,” he said. “It also is a waste of copper, circuit boards and plastics that can be reused.”

“Most people understand the hazards and the reuse potential,” he said of curbside disposal. “They don’t do it.”

Gloyd and other county officials in Lacrosse are attempting to clean up the excessive amount of e-waste that is being put curbside. While the county’s recycling plan isn’t free, it is well worth the pennies it costs and has proven to be highly popular with its residents.

There is a cost to bring items in for recycling: 20 cents per pound for all e-waste, and 35 cents per pound for TVs, Gloyd said. It takes e-waste workers “about four or five minutes to break down a television and separate materials into bins so they can easily be sent off for recycling”.

For more information, visit: co.la-crosse.wi.us/solidwaste/HHM.