Marion County's Electronics Recycling Program Expands

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently recognized Marion County as Oregon's top recycler

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Public Works - Environmental Services has expanded its electronics-recycling program to accept televisions, microwaves, and photocopy machines. The County has also added an additional drop-off location for electronics recycling just north of Woodburn.

People may now drop off their electronics recycling at the Salem-Keizer Recycling and Transfer Station at 3250 Deer Park Drive SE in Salem which is open 7 days/week from 8:00 Am to 5:00 PM, and the North Marion Recycling and Transfer Station at 17827 Whitney Lane NE in Woodburn. That location is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

County officials say the program will remain free, however businesses with large quantities should call ahead to make arrangements.

Marion County has been accepting computers and other types of electronics since 2000 at the Salem-Keizer Recycling and Transfer Station. Televisions, photocopy machines, and microwaves have not been accepted in the past because they are more difficult to recycle.

Recently the County has partnered with Garten Services Inc., a local non-profit organization that employs people with disabilities, which has allowed them to expand the program to include these cumbersome items. Garten Services will process the electronics accepted at the two sites at their facility in northeast Salem. Residents may also bring their electronics directly to Garten Services during business hours.

On February 17th 2009 the federal government will begin requiring large television broadcasters to send their signals in high definition.

Owners of televisions not connected to cable, a satellite service or a conversion box will no longer be able to view television through their analog sets. "We are always trying to stay one step ahead of the changing waste stream. We anticipate a lot of televisions being discarded with the upcoming switch to high definition televisions," said Bailey Payne, Marion County's Recycling Coordinator.

Payne noted that it would not be necessary to purchase a new television, but that some residents will need to buy a converter box. Information on the upcoming digital television transition can be found at dtv.gov.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently recognized Marion County as Oregon's top recycler. In 2006, 57.5% of waste generated by businesses and individuals was recycled or composted. Earlier this year Marion County was recognized nation-wide by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation for their household battery-recycling program.

Televisions, photocopy machines, microwaves, computers, peripherals (including cables, wires, mainframes, mice, circuit boards, power supplies, keyboards, printers, etc.), stereos, VCR/DVD players, portable music devices, cameras, video cameras, printers, laptops, projectors, telephones, cell phones, printer cartridges PDA's and GPS units.