Starting January 2012, the Electronics Products Recycling and Reuse Act (SB2313) will be in effect in Illinois, banning certain electronic items, predominantly computers and televisions, from its landfills.
According to the U.S. EPA, consumer electronics, including TVs and other video equipment, computers(excluding desktops)*, assorted peripherals, audio equipment, and phones, make up almost 2% of the municipal solid waste stream. Although electronics comprise a small percentage of the total solid waste stream, the quantity of electronic waste that we are generating is steadily increasing.
In 1998, the National Safety Council Study estimated about 20 million computers became obsolete in one year. Fast forward to 2007, that number has more than doubled according to EPA's most recent estimates.
Recycling electronics helps reduce pollution that would be generated while manufacturing a new product and the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. It also reduces the energy used in new product manufacturing.
Local Electronic Waste Recycling Drop off Programs
The City of Evanston has partnered with Recycling Avenue, an organization that provides job opportunities for the physically challenged, to collect electronic waste for recycling.
Community members may drop off cable receivers, cell phones, computer monitors, computers (notebooks, tablets, laptop)* and MP3 players for recycling at the following locations during normal business hours:
Levy Senior Center
300 Dodge Ave
(847) 448-8250
M - F: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evanston Ecology Center
2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston, IL 60201
P: (847)448-8256
F: (847)448-8805
ecologycenter@cityofevanston.org
Mon.-Fri.: 8:30am-5pm
Other electronic materials such as small household appliances (toasters, blenders, coffee makers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, lamps and stereo equipment) can be thrown away in the garbage if they cannot be donated for reuse or recycled through other entities.
*Desktop computers are no longer accepted at Levy Senior Center or Evanston Ecology Center
Weekly SWANCC Resident Drop-Off Locations:
The following location hosts weekly electronics collections for residents who live in any SWANCC member community. There is NO FEE for this service and unloading assistance is provided. Collection locations will be closed on national holidays and in severe weather.
Only Residents of SWANCC member communities may particape in events. IDs will be checked. Do not drop off electronics other than during posted dates and times.
Glenview Transfer Station
3 Providence Way, Des Plaines
Located on the east side of Des Plaines River Road, 1/4 mile north of Central road, directly across from the Maryville Academy.
Saturdays: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Open Year-Round
Closed June 5, July 10, September 11, November 27, December 25, January 1.
Hoffman Estates Village Hall
1900 Hassell Road
Mondays: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
April 5 to November 15, 2021
CLOSED May 31, July 5, September 6
Mount Prospect Public Works
1700 West Central Road
Wednesdays: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
April 14 to October 25, 2021
Winnetka Public Works
1390 Willow Road
Thursdays: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
April 8 to November 18, 2021
Batteries will no longer be collected within the City of Evanston facilities.
Can alkaline batteries be disposed of in the garbage? Yes
"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, household alkaline batteries, AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, etc., are benign by design, haven't contained mercury or other heavy metals for over 20 years, and are approved to be put in the trash. However, rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals and mercury and should be recycled. Visit http://www.swancc.org/recycling-directory-faqs for battery recycling options."
Call2Recycle partners with retail stores such as Best Buy, Home depot and Lowes that accept lithium primary and rechargeable batteries only - NO alkaline batteries! Go to call2recycle.org/locator to find a location and for more information.
