Understanding Illinois’ Landfill Ban
On January 1, 2012, The Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act went into effect. This law banned electronics from landfills in Illinois. TVs, computers, printers, video game consoles, fax machines, scanners and other electronic materials contain toxins that must be properly managed to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. To make sure these materials are handled responsibly, the law requires Illinois residents to recycle obsolete electronics. The law also takes a number of steps to make it is easier than ever to easily recycle these materials. At Elgin Recycling we are getting a lot of questions about this landfill ban. We are using this blog post to address some of our customers frequently asked questions about The Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act.
Why was this law necessary?
Electronics are the fastest growing source of solid waste. The bill states that, “In 2007, 3,000,000 tons of electronic products became obsolete yet only 14% of those products were recycled.” Recycling electronic materials has significant benefits to the environment and economy. However, when these materials enter a landfill, they can cause several environmental and health risks. Electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium and beryllium. These toxins cause illness and environmental damage. When these materials are recycled instead, they can be reused to conserve natural resources and energy. Recycled electronics can also be refurbished and reused as raw materials in the broader economy.
What products are included in the landfill ban?
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Televisions
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Monitors
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Printers
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Computers (laptop, notebook, netbook, tablet, desktop)
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Electronic Keyboards
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Facsimile Machines
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Videocassette Recorders
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Portable Digital Music Players
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Digital Video Disc Players
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Video Game Consoles
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Small Scale Servers
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Scanners
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Electronic Mice
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Digital Converter Boxes
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Cable Receivers
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Satellite Receivers
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Digital Video Disc Recorders
(Source: http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/electronic-waste-recycling/index.html )
Where can I recycle my obsolete electronics?
If you live in the Illinois or Wisconsin, contact Elgin Recycling! We have locations in Gilberts, Elgin, Crystal Lake, and Palatine. If you would prefer pick up service, contact a friendly sales representative.
If you live outside of our service area, recycling electronics is still easy. The landfill ban requires electronics manufacturers to take responsibility for recycling obsolete residential electronic products. The law requires electronics manufacturers to set up a take-back program for used electronics or partner with local recyclers to offer residents a free electronics recycling program at venues close to home.Contact Elgin recycling, for additional details.
What other materials can I bring to Elgin Recycling?
Elgin Recycling is a full service recycling facility serving residential, commercial and industrial customers. For a complete list of electronics materials we accept please visit our website. Also, we gladly accept scrap metal, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paper, and plastics. If you have a question about any of your recyclable materials, please do not hesitate to contact Elgin Recycling.
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