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Northland College hosts free electronics recycling event

March 27, 2012

Northland College is partnering with the Superior Choice Credit Union in Ashland and 5R Processors of Ladysmith to host an electronics recycling day at Northland on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, another offering in the Northland College Community Connections series, is free and open to the public.

"Disposing of old electronics is something that everyone has a problem with as far as old cell phones, televisions and the like," says Nathan Engstrom, regional sustainability coordinator at Northland College. "There aren't as many opportunities to recycle electronics."

Engstrom says it's important to recycle electronics, some of which contain chemicals or metals that may be toxic to the environment.

"Not only that, but people could be potentially exposed to toxic compounds themselves...so there's the potential for contamination to the person exposed and the environment," says Engstrom.

Engstrom adds that recycling electronics can also save on landfill fees, as well as present an opportunity to reuse materials that may otherwise go to waste.

Typical household electronics like computers, cell phones, old monitors, laptops, printers and more will be accepted free of charge. There is a $10 fee for televisions or electronics containing cathode ray tubes. A $25 fee will be charged for electronics containing Freon, such as refrigerators, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. In addition, those who bring computer hard drives that contain personal data will be assessed a $10 fee to cleanse the hard drive. Fluorescent bulbs, smoke detectors, hazardous waste and liquids will not be accepted for recycling. For more information and a complete list of acceptable items, visit the 5R Recycling Events page at www.5Rprocessors.com or call (800) 689-5366.