Dane County to Host TV, Electronics Drop-Off May 9

May 06, 2009
Joshua Wescott, 267-8823 or 669-5606; Janet Neitzel-Knox, 266-4029
County Executive

People with old televisions, computers, cell-phones and other electronics lying around the house can dispose of them for free at the Dane County TV and Electronics Recycling Drop Off on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Items can be dropped off at an area that will be set up in the back parking lot of the Alliant Energy Center. It’s the first time Dane County has ever held a free collection like this and normally private contractors charge fees to take old TVs and computers. “This free drop-off is both the economically and environmentally friendly way to get rid of old electronics,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “Given the recent changeover to digital television, there are a lot of old TVs out there with toxic materials in them we want to keep out of our groundwater and landfill.” The drop-off is for Dane County residents but the Department of Public Works asks any electronics brought in be personally owned (not from a business). Electronics that will be collected during the event are: television sets of all sizes, personal computers (including keyboards and mice) and computer monitors, printers, scanners, fax machines, calculators, cell phones, microwaves, radios, stereos, telephones, DVD and CD players, and VCRs. CRT Processing, a company that recycles old computers and other technology in an environmentally responsible way will coordinate recycling the electronics collected. Components found in TVs and computer monitors can have several pounds of lead in them in addition to other heavy metals including cadmium, lithium, and mercury. These metals have been associated with a number of health concerns. In addition to CRT Processing, Dane County is also partnering with Superior Construction Services, Service Master Clean, and Samsung for the drop-off. These companies are sponsoring the event and providing volunteers to help make it a success. Because a lot of people are expected to take part, Dane County and its partners are looking for volunteers to help unload cars and/or direct traffic at the drop-off site. Those able to help are encouraged to contact Jan Neitzel-Knox at Dane County Public Works at 266-4029 or by e-mail at: neitzel-knox@co.dane.wi.us # # #