When they stop being useful, computers, cell phones and other electronic products become E-waste. Each year in the United States, homes, schools, government offices and businesses throw away 9.4 million tons of the stuff, according to Earth911.com.
Aside from taking up valuable space in the landfill, E-waste is bad for the environment because it often contains toxic components such as mercury, lead, cadmium, flame retardants, battery acids, barium and lithium. The amount of E-waste is growing, but this type of trash doesn’t have to go into our landfills. Many outdated electronics still have working components. They should always be reused, refurbished or recycled.
The Barton County Landfill accepts E-waste for recycling, with a couple of exceptions. And this Saturday, St. Mark Lutheran Church at 21st and Jackson will offer electronic recycling collection. Bring electronic items and accessories to the church parking lot on Jackson Street between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon.
This isn’t the first time the congregation at St. Mark has joined with the county to offer E-waste recycling. The sponsors say this is one way to be good stewards of God’s earth.
Items to be recycled include: Cell and cordless phones; computer gaming systems; computers and accessories; charger cords, microwaves and VCRs.
This Saturday is also the date for the next Household Hazardous Waste collection at the Barton County Landfill, located at 350 NE 30 Road, a mile east of Barton Community College. Hazardous Waste collection is held every third Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. until noon, April through October, weather permitting.
The landfill also accepts bicycles free of charge, then takes them to Ellsworth Correctional Facility where they are reconditioned and repaired. Some return to Barton County and are given to kids who don’t have bikes.
Paying customers can bring their worn out mattresses and box springs to the landfill. These go to the Hutchinson Correctional Facility where inmates separate the materials and make outdoor furniture and dog beds for the public to purchase.
For information on any of the landfill’s recycling programs, just call and ask. The telephone number is 620-793-1898.
Our landfill is the place for solid waste, but not all “trash” belongs there.
Reuse, refurbish or recycle whenever possible.