E-Waste Recycling Now FREE At The Clinton Transfer Station

Beginning March 11, the cost of disposing a cell phone, DVD, CD player, copier, computer, laptop, or television has just gotten easier – in fact it’s now free.

As of this Friday, the town of Clinton’s transfer station will not charge for electronic or e-waste recycling, said Peter Neff, the director of the town’s Department of Public Works (DPW).

The DPW runs the town’s refuse, recycling, and bulky waste transfer center at 117 Nod Road. It is open to Clinton residents only.

“There were costs before,” said Neff. “The town still needs to pay to dispose of this, but the consumer won’t be charged a specific fee for it.”

The goal, said Neff, is to keep these products out of the waste stream. When folks are not charged for such disposal – it makes it easier.

Through the town’s membership in a nine-town consortium called CREPA, the town was able to use the services of two certified e-waste companies: Northeast Lamp Recycling, Inc. (NLR) of East Windsor, Connecticut and RMG Enterprises, Inc. of Londonderry, New Hampshire. Both companies pick up the recyclables every Wednesday at the transfer station.

NLR recycles batteries (9V, AA, AAA, C, D, UPS, Ballast, Car), fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers, barometers, and mercury switches.

RMG recycles CRT and LCD monitors, TVs, computers, printers, scanners, faxes, cell phones, cables, cords, keyboards, mice, CDs, DVDs, boom boxes, and stereo systems and speakers.

In the past, the town charged consumers to recycle these items. Large items such as a 45-inch TV cost $15.

“This is a wonderful service,” added Neff.

The service will extend to the schools and government buildings.

It also saves the town money.

According to Neff, from July 1, 2010 to March 1, 2011, the town saved $4,000 in tipping (disposal) fees by recycling six percent more.

In July of 2009, only 22 percent of items brought to the transfer station were recyclables. Today, that amount is up to 36 percent.

“Recycling is mandatory in Clinton,” reminded Neff. “If you are truly recycling, you will have more recycle than garbage each week.”

For more information, visit the town’s website at www.clintonct.org.