Changes coming to electronics recycling program
But, as of March 1, 2015, residential televisions and monitors will no longer be included as eligible electronics and residents may observe these items being collected in the curbside garbage trucks.
Eligible electronics will be picked up curbside in a separate vehicle, while only televisions and monitors will be picked up in a regular solid waste collection vehicle.
Eligible electronics include: computer systems, fax machines, keyboards, monitors, power supplies, printers and scanners.
Eligible appliances include: air conditioners, clothes dryers, dishwashers, freezers, microwaves, refrigerators, stoves, trash compactors, washing machines and water heaters.
Residents can simply call Waste Management at 941-493-4100 to schedule a free curbside pick-up for residential electronics and appliances, while small appliances like toasters and vacuums may be placed in the garbage for disposal. Additionally, all refrigerators must be empty and their doors removed to be eligible for pick-up.
Launched in 2002 with the help of a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the electronics recycling program’s popularity has grown tremendously over the years.
According to Solid Waste Division Operation Manager Brian Usher, the program’s success is due to Sarasota County residents acting as stewards for the environment, and embracing the idea of recycling unwanted and old electronics.
“The program has been incredibly successful,” said Usher. “On average, we’ve shipped out over 500 tons of recycled electronics per year, and each year it just gets bigger and bigger.”
For businesses and other organizations, eligible electronics including televisions and monitors will continue to be collected as part of our Project Greensweep Program. Although curbside pick-up is not available for businesses and other organizations, they are urged to call 941-861-1531 for more information and available options.
