Update: Electronics are Banned from Illinois Landfills… Why?
“Public Act 97-0287 bans 17 electronic products from landfills.” -ELPC
Why did Illinois Ban Electronics from being Thrown into Landfills?
Electronics are very useful to society in various ways, but once they are no longer of use, they become hazardous if not disposed of correctly. Many different materials that make up electronics damage the environment. The result of environmental damage leads to health risks for people and animals. According to the ELPC, “These products [electronics] contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and beryllium. These materials must be properly managed to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.” When these toxic materials leak into the environment, it contaminates our food, water, and other natural resources.
Electronic Recycling and Reuse Act
In the beginning of 2012, Illinois passed a law that had originally banned 13 different electronics from any state landfill. This law is known as the Electronic Recycling and Reuse Act. Today, up to 17 electronics are no longer allowed to be disposed of into landfills. According to the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), “The landfill ban includes: TVs, computers (including desktop, notebook, tablet), monitors, printers, computer peripherals, VCRs/DVD players, gaming systems, MP3 players, scanners, fax machines and small-scale servers.”
Retweeting the News on E-Waste and Landfills
Today’s society relies heavily on technology. Whether you are keeping up with current news events, staying in touch with long-distance friends on social media, or doing research for your next big work pitch, electronics have become resources that generations cannot live without. With computers, laptops, televisions, and various other electronics in high-demand, it is important to be informed with where your old electronics are taken once they are no longer useful.
Make the E-waste Recycling Program Go Viral
What do you do with your old, unwanted electronics? Homewood Disposal offers an electronic recycling program for residents in many towns. If you are a current residential customer, click the blue button on this page to let us know you have electronics you want recycled. If you don’t schedule a pick up, our special truck won’t know to come by to pick up your e-waste. We will send an additional truck for safe e-waste removal.
Additional Residential Resources
