By John Rogers
Sustainability Committee chairman
For electronic goods that have served us well but reached the end of their useful lives, recycling is a great option. And not hard to do. First, the why: As the U.S. EPA explains, “Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture.” Recycle them, they say, and you can save resources, cut air and water pollution, and reduce climate impacts.
Then, the how: one option is the electronic waste (“e-waste”) collections at certain times of year organized by two local organizations: the Order of the Eastern Star and Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
And the next Eastern Star e-waste collection is coming right up: this Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the North Reading Lodge (283 Park St.). They will accept “anything with a plug,” at costs of $5 for small electronics, $15-20 for appliances, and $20-40 for TVs (based on size). They’re also collecting bikes (for free), furniture, and more.
For options at other times of year, you can call the town’s waste hauler, Republic, at 781-289-0500 to arrange pick-ups of CRTs (old-style TVs) at no cost to households, and “white goods” for $20-$35. Some nearby electronics retailers, such as Staples and Best Buy, accept certain electronics for recycling — some for free, and some at a small cost; just Google their names and “electronics recycling” for details.
It’s easy to give electronics another life. You have the power
Content for the Sustainability Corner is provided periodically to the Transcript by members of the town’s Sustainability Committee.
