By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

April 15, 2016 07:22:12 AM

CHICAGO (Scrap Monster): More and more, we are dependent on electronic devices. And we throw out these devices at an accelerating rate as new gizmos hit the market.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that in 2012 the average U.S. Household spent $1,312 on consumer electronics. And each household possessed 24 consumer electronic devices.

That same year, the U.S. generated 3.4 million tons of e-waste.

The serpent in this garden is that electronic devices contain hazardous material such as lead, mercury, arsenic, lithium, chromium and other poisons and carcinogens. Most landfills no longer accept e-waste. And there increasingly are laws governing e-waste disposal.

Responsible recycling is the answer.

Oak Park is, and has been, a responsible recycler of e-waste. On the last Saturday of May through October, villagers have been able to drop off their e-waste at the public works department.

But while electronic devices proliferate, getting rid of them is becoming more difficult. Markets for the recycled materials have declined and costs for recycling events have risen.

The latest village newsletter warned, "Unlike in past years, the village now incurs costs to collect electronic items for recycling, as state collection goals have been met and funding for electronic processors has declined. The public works department will host events as circumstances allow."

And village officials mean business, reminding us that just leaving e-waste items at the public works department is illegal dumping that may result in a fine. The department is video monitored 24/7.

At future e-waste collections, the number of TVs and monitors may be limited, And staff will check IDs to make sure Oak Park residents are served first.

E-waste collection events will be announced in Oak Park's newsletter, in e-news messages or on Facebook and Twitter.

Courtesy: www.chicagotribune.com