No matter how hard we work at “spring cleaning,” there’s often one area that’s overlooked – our old, unused electronics. A recent survey found that most of us in Oregon have broken or obsolete TVs, computers, printers or other electronics hiding in plain sight at home. These electronics languish in closets or under sofas, in attics or storage and generally evade our spring cleaning efforts.
One survey respondent, when asked about the electronics lurking around the house, shared, “I have very little space and have this big, massive box that probably has seven laptops in it. It is going to be hard to even lift that thing and get it out of the house.”
Chances are that most of us have some electronics lying around that we don’t use and don’t want but haven’t done anything about. And this often includes electronics that are eligible for free recycling, according to new research conducted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
These unused electronics can be an eyesore, taking up valuable space at home. But they also present a greater dilemma. If not disposed of properly, the hazardous materials they may contain, like lead and mercury, can contaminate our air, soil and water.
Thankfully, the Oregon E-Cycles program – supported by DEQ – provides free, easy and safe recycling of TVs, computers, printers, monitors and tablets.
Participating sites are operated to meet the program’s strict environmental management standards to ensure electronics are responsibly recycled, hazardous materials are properly disposed of and reusable materials are collected for the betterment of our health and environment.
Whether you’re planning on spring cleaning this year or next, Oregon E-Cycles provides a quick and free way to make sure unwanted TVs, computers, printers, monitors and tablets aren’t left to lurk around your home.
To find out more, visit EcycleOregon.org or call:
888-532-9253
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–Julie Miller, communications specialist, DEQ Materials Management