(WHTM) — A new recycling program could help people across the state get rid of old electronics without having to pay.
Chances are you have some old electronics stashed away because you don’t know where to put them or you hold off on taking them to a recycling center because it costs money. Now everyone in the Midstate will have a new and free option.
Through a collaborative initiative between Reworld and Goodwill Keystone Area, residents of 22 counties can bring their unwanted electronics to any of the designated 42 Goodwill Keystone area stores and donation centers.
Residents can recycle things like computers, monitors, gaming systems, phones, even small appliances like toasters or a vacuum cleaner.
The goal is to collect half a million pounds of e-waste in its first year of the program alone. The electronics will then be resold if they are in good condition, or recycled.
As electronic waste continues to grow at a rapid pace, officials say its important to have responsible recycling solutions that will reduce illegal dumping and help the environment.
“A lot of electronic waste contain heavy metal and when they’re allowed to degrade in the environment, they leach and they can leach lead cadmium arsenic things like that and it can be really harmful if they get into our drinking water or into wildlife areas or even on some empty, lots near where people live,” Jessica Shirley Acting Secretary of the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
Free recycling drop offs will start today.
There are some items that can’t be recycled here, like loose batteries and hazardous household waste.
Accepted:
- Computing and Peripheral devices
- Includes: Computers, Monitors, Peripheral devices: keyboards, mice, printers, printer/scanner/copier all-in-one devices, networking equipment
- Entertainment Electronics
- Includes: Video players: VCR/DVD/Blue-ray players, gaming systems, audio devices: stereos, radios, MP3 players
- Communication Devices
- Includes: Telephones, Mobile devices
- Visual and Imaging Equiptment
- Includes: Cameras, video cameras, televisions, cable or set-top boxes
- Small Appliances
- Includes: Toasters, vacuum cleaners, miscellaneous electronics/items, cables, electronic wiring, answering machines
Not accepted:
- Loose batteries, bulbs, smoke detectors, hazardous household waste, Freon-containing devices, any devices containing mercury
- White goods: Refrigerators, ranges, water heaters, freezers, unit air conditioners, washing machines, clothes, dryers and other similar domestic commercial large appliances
To learn more about what can and can not be recycled, visit iwaste.epa.gov. For more information on the program, visit yourgoodwill.org
