Electronics are the largest selling items on Black Friday. And, I’m sure many teens were happily surprised to receive new phones or tablets during the holiday season.
The technology being used on a daily basis constantly becomes outdated by newer technologies which are accomplishing the same tasks, only quicker and better. This ever-changing technological era results in old, outdated TVs, computers and other electronics collecting dust in basements and storage areas in homes throughout our community. Typically, local trash collections do not include such electronics because of the environmental impact if discarded in landfills.
The correct way to dispose of electronics is through responsible recycling. To assist homeowners in this effort, I am hosting a free electronics recycling event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Center of Progress Building at the NYS Fairgrounds.
Residents can drop off unwanted electronics at no cost. The items are refurbished, sold as parts or completely recycled by Sunnking, a Rochester-based recycling company. The company states that most electronics are completely recyclable. Common materials that are recovered through the process for reuse include glass, copper, aluminum, tin, steel, iron, plastic, silver, platinum and gold. In addition to these reusable materials, there are also a handful of harmful and highly toxic substances such as lead, mercury, beryllium, lithium, cadmium, BRFs (brominated flame retardants), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) that are properly disposed of by Sunnking. Please note that there is a limit of two CRT TVs or monitors (the screens with the tube-type backs) per vehicle during the event.
At the event, there is no need to get out of your vehicle. Volunteers from Solvay High School Athletics, including students, parents, faculty and volunteers, will be available to lift the electronics out of the vehicle and place it into designated piles. Once Sunnking processes all of the old and discarded electronics, the organization will receive a portion of the event’s proceeds.
Free electronics recycling events are a wonderful solution for the community. It allows residents to get rid of their unwanted electronics, prevents additional damage to the environment through proper disposal and volunteers earn funds for their organization. As always, if you have any questions about this or any other state government issues, please call 315-428-9651 or email [email protected].
