Get Rid of that Old TV Safely

We have often discussed in this space the importance of disposing of obsolete or unwanted electronic appliances in a responsible manner. Since many of these devices are made up of components containing some very bad things for the environment and our collective health, pitching out that old Sony with yesterday’s dinner scraps for the Rumpke guy to haul away is not a very good idea.

For those of us who live in Hamilton County, there is now an new option. The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District opened the 2009 Computer and TV Recycling Drop-Off service on May 1st. The program will run Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm through the end of the year. Hamilton Country residents who are unable to come during the week will be able to drop off computers and TVs on a few select Saturdays this year (June 13, August 8, and October 10 from 9am to 2pm).

The drop-off site this year is 11093 Kenwood Road, Building #7, Blue Ash, Ohio 45242.

Residents can drop off all computer equipment for no charge. Residents dropping off TVs, however, will be charged $10 for TVs weighing under 60 lbs and $20 for over 60 lbs. If you have a Sony, Zenith, LG, or Goldstar TV, these will be accepted for no charge through the Sony’s funded “take back” program.

Now, this particular program is open only to Hamilton County residents. You need to bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill. More information about the program is available at their website at http://www.hcdoes.org/SWMD/Residents/CompElec.html.

There are other options available in the area. Best Buy has a program that will allow you to recycle certain appliances for a nominal charge. They have some restrictions on the screen size and number of items that will be accepted. Before lugging that TV or computer to the store you may wish to call or go to the Best Buy website, http://www.bestbuy.com/. Search for “recycling.”

For sure, getting rid of these items is becoming a bit of a hassle. The importance of doing it right and safely more than outweighs any inconvenience or modest cost.