Electronic Devices + Landfill = Environment and Health Problems
It is vitally important for everyone to recycle their electronic devices rather than put them in the garbage once they stop being useful or break. Tossing unwanted electronics in the garbage is becoming a real problem to the environment and our health.
Electronic waste (E-Waste) which includes televisions and computers, are full of toxins like mercury, lead and Cadium. These hazardous materials can leech into our groundwater causing cancer and other horrible conditions.
Learn more about the hazardous materials in our favorite electronics: http://earth911.com/recycling/electronics/e-waste-harmful-materials/
Illinois Law Requires Electronic Manufacturer to Recycle Old Electronics:
Computer and Electronic Waste is Harmful to the Environment and Our Health
Illinois Electronic Waste Program: http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/electronic-waste-recycling/index.html
The law requires all manufactures to recycle at least 40% of the weight of the electronic products they sell in Illinois. The manufactures are doing this by either running their own electronic collection programs or partnering with recycling companies or charity programs to collect all the disposed of electronics.
For instance Dell has partnered with Goodwill industries with the Dell Reconnect program http://reconnectpartnership.com/ to accept any brand and any condition electronic at participating Goodwill stores. Learn more about the program and limitations on Goodwill’s website: http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/donation-acceptance-guidelines/#computer
Illinois Electronics Law Affects Households and Businesses
Illinois Households and Businesses Are Affected by the Illinois Electronic Recycling and Reuse Act:
The Illinois Electronic Recycling and Reuse Act http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2998&ChapterID=36 will effect every household and business in Illinois. The law bans electronic waste like tv’s, computers, laptops, cell phones and other gadgets from landfills. This means that garbage collection services will no longer accept any of the banned items unless they have started their own or partnered with a recycling program. Either way, you will have to notify your garbage collection service of your need for them to collect your electronic devices. This will might incur an added fee.