City Tries to Keep E-waste From Becoming an E-normous Headache

In January, a new law went into affect prohibiting old electronics, such as televisions and computers, from being disposed of in the trash.

But what can Elmhurst residents do with them? The city's Public Works and Building Committee wondered the same thing Monday night, and is searching for easy ways for residents to dump their plug-in junk.

The city's trash hauler, Allied Waste, is now from accepting electronics, which means consumers have to find places to drop off their monitors, printers, keyboards, VCRs and scanners.

Public Works Director Mike Hughes said the city was investigating the possibility of partnering with Elmhurst College for more frequent pick-up times beyond the twice-yearly recycling events hosted by the college. The next recycling day is April 14.

Other options include Goodwill, at 675 W. North Ave., or scheduled recycling dates offered by both York and Addison townships. DuPage County offers a complete guide to electronics recycling.

Hughes said it's not cost effective for the company that works with the college and the city on the current recycling days to set up additional disposal times with the city. Another possibility would be for the city to start its own program and open the public works garage to accept waste, but hours and staffing would have to be worked out, Hughes said.

Committee chairman and 6th Ward Alderman Jim Kennedy said before spending any city money to start an electronics recycling program, he wants to maximize convenient options already available for residents