SEATTLE - The new year usually means "out with the old and in with the new."
The state of Washington is helping residents get rid of old electronics with a new recycling program.
It's easier than ever to safely dispose of old computers and TVs. It used to be you had to pay a fee to recycle your old computer or TV, but the new program called "E-cycle Washington" that allows you to dispose of that stuff for free.
It's good for you and for the environment.
A team of "Total Reclaim" soldiers glean what they can from old electronics, taking what's salvageable and safely processing the toxic materials within.
"In particular, lead. Lead is found in the glass in televisions and monitors and it's also found in circuit boards in the solder," said Craig Lorch, Total Reclaim.
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Still, millions of pounds of unwanted electronics end up discarded in sensitive areas and landfills - a direct blow to our environment. Which is why, starting tomorrow, Washington state will require electronics manufacturers to pay the fee for recycling four of the most hazardous items: computers, monitors, laptops and televisions.
"So the idea was to try and keep that material out of the landfill, out of the watershed, out of illegal dumping," said Lorch.
You'll be able to unload the items at hundreds of participating collection sites, including Washington Goodwill stores. It's a relief to the non-profit organization, who had been shouldering the cost of recycling other people's stuff.
"Yeah, it's very tough. It's very expensive because the product is considered hazardous waste," said Tiffany Hutch, Seattle Goodwill.
After the items are collected, they'll be taken to an approved processor like Total Reclaim.
There's no need to dash-in to ditch your electronics.
"It's a long term program so there's no need to rush. Don't bring it in all at once," said Lorch.
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