Electronic Devices Will No Longer be Accepted at Landfills after January 1st, 2011

Residents brought in several computers during the last Starke County Environment Days recycling event

Beginning January 1st, 2011, Indiana households, public schools, and small businesses will no longer be able to mix unwanted computer monitors, computers, televisions, printers, computer keyboards or mice, DVD players, video cassette recorders or fax machines with municipal waste that is intended for disposal at a landfill.

Effective July 1st, 2009, the Indiana Legislature enacted the Indiana Electronic Waste Program. The program’s purpose is to reduce the amount of electronic waste being sent to Indiana landfills and ensure that hazardous substances found in electronic waster are being managed in an appropriate and environmentally responsible manner. Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium that can be harmful if released into the environment.

Residents are encouraged to recycle these items. Starke County Environmental Management Director, Carrie Trent, told WKVI that residents may take their items to the Highway Garage on April 27th-30th, 2011 during their Household Hazardous Waste event. Trent said that other options will be discussed at an upcoming Solid Waste Board meeting. Pulaski County residents may take items to the Pulaski County Recycling Center.