As a solid waste district, we are responsible for the collection and recycling of all manner of waste: regular household recycling, electronics recycling, and household hazardous waste collection. So many think that because we are called Henry County Solid Waste Management District, that we are responsible for trash disposal, when in fact we are responsible for many of the things that should never go in your trash: electronics, household chemicals, batteries, and fluorescent and led lightbulbs, and much more.
We use the term Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) frequently in our office, and we have been working hard to educate the public on ways to properly dispose of HHW. According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, household hazardous waste (HHW) is hazardous waste generated by households that is ignitable, toxic, reactive, corrosive, or otherwise poses a threat to human health or the environment. Examples of HHW include:
spent lead-acid auto batteries
unused pesticide products and ;
mercury-containing products (e.g., thermostats, thermometers, lamps);
used motor oil, antifreeze, and oil filters
old oil-based paint, stains, and varnish
electronic equipment, including tv’s, computers & monitors, dvd players, and gaming systems that play dvd’s
One of the biggest ways we are polluting our earth is by throwing old electronics into the trash. Since January 1, 2011, Indiana state law prohibits the disposal of electronics in trash bound for the landfill. Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium that can be harmful if released into the environment. Recycling electronics ensures these materials are safely managed and that valuable materials such as steel, glass, and plastic, as well as precious metals such as copper, gold, tin, silicon, and aluminum are reclaimed for the manufacturing of new products. Reusing and recycling raw materials from e-waste conserves natural resources and avoids pollution. Indiana’s E-Cycle Program, in which Henry County SWMD participates, allows for many electronic devices to be kept out of landfills and incinerators and creates recycling opportunities for Indiana residents. Electronics of all sorts (no large appliances or items with refrigerant) are accepted at our office at 1121 Broad Street. We charge a $5 fee to dispose of a television, but all other items are free of charge.
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