Politics & Government

Starting March 1, Change in How To Recycle Electronics in Homdel

Holmdel residents and businesses will take them to the Dept. of Public Works.

Televisions, computers and monitors can no longer be picked up from New Jersey curbs as part of regular garbage collection.

The Electronic Waste Management Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1, bans the disposal of these “e-waste” items in the regular waste stream, according to Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin.

Starting March 1, Holmdel residents will need to bring their no longer wanted televisions, desktop computers and laptops to the Dept. of Public Works lot. 

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

They will have containers on-site open tor residents, small businesses and surrounding municipalities for the disposal of copiers, scanners, telephones, wires and cables, computers, keyboards, fax machines, VCR/DVD players, televisions, printers, stereos and cameras.  Microwaves and air conditioners (window units) will also be accepted. 

Holmdel Township has partnered with the County and is now part of their Countywide Electronics Recycling Program. The County has entered into a contract with Monmouth Wire & Computer Recycling who will be the contractor disposing of the materials.

Find out what's happening in Holmdel-Hazletwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Although there is no absolute security guarantee on information left on a computer, Monmouth Wire & Computer Recycling does wipe or physically destroy hard drives before sending the materials out forrecycling. 

The DEP announced that Best Buy stores and community-based service programs, most notably Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army, also accept these materials.

Commissioner Martin said, “Everyone has been working hard to make sure residents will have ample opportunities for recycling their electronic waste.”

According to the DEP, manufacturers of these devices will now be funding the collection of e-waste so that it is free for consumers.

Martin said the law helps to raise public awareness about recycling electronics, which he said contain lead, mercury, cadmium and other toxins.

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, e-waste is growing two to three times faster than any other category of solid waste.

In the first year alone, the Electronic Waste Management Act is expected to keep about 50 million pounds of electronic waste out of solid waste facilities. The act does not cover other electronic devices, such as cell phones, DVD players, VCRs and game consoles.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here