Essex County will hold a free Computer and Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Essex County Public Works Facility, 99 West Bradford Ave. in Cedar Grove. The collection is open to Essex County residents, who must bring proof of residency. Commercial and large-quantity users may not use the drop-off.
The event is intended for the electronic items that do not belong in an ordinary trash or curbside recycling container. Accepted materials include computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, scanners, telecommunications equipment, speakers, televisions, keyboards, main frames, VCRs, stereos, DVD players, toasters, irons and old cellular telephones. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms will not be accepted.
Proper electronics recycling matters because devices are made with materials that can be recovered and used again, including metals, plastics and glass. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that recycling or donating electronics conserves natural resources and can help avoid air and water pollution associated with producing new materials. Some older electronics also contain components that need special handling rather than disposal with household waste.
Residents can use the coming weeks to look through drawers and storage areas for obsolete computers, unused phones, old televisions and other devices. Before bringing an item to a collection, it is sensible to check it for personal files or other information that should be removed. Participants should place items for disposal in the trunk and remain in their vehicles at the site.
For additional information, call 973-792-9060 or visit ecua-nj.com. The collection is one practical way for residents to clear out old technology while helping keep recyclable materials out of the regular waste stream.