Last month the Department of Sustainability and Solid Waste Management coordinated Ontario County employee participation in the County’s Adopt-A-Highway program. For those not familiar, this program assigns sections of roadways to teams of volunteers who are responsible for its visual upkeep.  A small team of County staff members came out one recent Saturday morning to clean up our designated roadway – the two-mile stretch of Co. Rd. 46 between Freshour and Smith Roads.

We had a great day!  Our efforts resulted in the collection of about 440 gallons of trash. 

Along with all that roadside litter, we were surprised to find a large flat screen television. Can you imagine what our beautiful countryside would look like if everyone tossed their TVs out this way?  

When it’s time to get rid of a television or other electronic equipment, you’ve got a variety of smarter – and legal – disposal options.

First, if the device is still in working condition, consider donating to a local donation center. 

Second, if the device can be repaired, avoid the need for disposal by getting it fixed. Check this link for our listing of local businesses that offer repair services: Electronic Repair.

Third, for those devices that are beyond repair, Ontario County has numerous drop-off locations to make it easy to recycle your unwanted electronics. Some electronics can be dropped off with no charge. Be sure to contact the drop-off location so there are no surprises. Old television models with Cathode Ray Tubes will likely require a fee.  Here’s a list of drop-off sites: Electronic Waste Drop-Off Locations

Finally, under the New York State law, manufacturers must provide a convenient and free process for folks to recycle their electronic waste. Manufacturers are not only required to take back their own brand of electronic equipment for recycling, they are also required to accept one piece of electronic waste of any manufacturer's brand if offered by a consumer with the purchase of electronic equipment, covered by the law of the same type by a consumer.  You can use the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of registered electronic equipment manufacturers to find manufacturers, their brands electronic equipment covered by the law, and their electronic waste acceptance program websites and contact information.  Here’s a link to the list: NYDEC Covered Electronic Equipment Manufacturers & Electronic Waste Acceptance Programs

The next time you have an old electronic device you’d like to get rid of please keep in mind the responsible disposal of these devices.

Best, Carla Jordan