(Madison County, NY- June 2014) The Department of Solid Waste collected 35.13 tons of televisions and computer monitors during a recently concluded E-Waste collection in Madison County.
Six collection events were held in various locations throughout the county during April and May in an attempt to collect as many old style televisions and monitors as possible before the laws regarding the disposal of these items changes in January of 2015.
Close to home, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are two states experiencing a glut of e-waste, more specifically, televisions.
A state law that took effect Jan. 1, 2011 required manufacturers of electronics to fund the recycling with no charge to the public. Manufacturers seemed to comply with the new law initially. However, starting in the later part of 2013, the manufacturers have refused to fund the recycling operation, according to James Zecca, Director of the Department of Solid Waste.
In an attempt to get ahead of this problem Zecca proposed the recent intensified collection program.
The first event was held on Earth Day in Hamilton and took in three tons of televisions, monitors and other assorted e-waste.
Cazenovia was the largest collection event, taking in 11.15 tons of E-Waste, followed by Chittenango with 8.6 tons, Canastota 4.99, Wampsville 4.15, Morrisville 3.49 and Hamilton with 3 tons.
“Although, this is assuredly just the tip of the iceberg, it is a start,” said Zecca. As of Jan. 1, 2015 electronics must be recycled in New York State. They contain toxic materials, including mercury, lead and other heavy metals, so they will not be allowed in landfills and residents cannot discard them in their curbside trash. This law has been in effect in Madison County since late 2004.”
The problem that has electronics being stockpiled is that manufacturers, who are required by a 2011 state law to pay for the recycling of what is known as “e-waste,” are not fully funding the program, according to local and state officials.
Madison County is still in fairly good shape, certainly, not in a crisis mode as are other counties and states. However, the e-waste disposal is eventually, going to impact everyone. If you have older televisions and computer monitors now is the time to dispose of them, said Zecca.
All e-waste in Madison County can be taken to LoJo’s Technology on Farrier Avenue in Oneida. They are open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will be closed on Friday and Saturday for the summer.
Questions should be directed to the Depatment of Solid Waste at 1-800-721-2208.