KENT COUNTY, Mich. — With the holidays quickly approaching, some West Michiganders will be updating their electronics and getting ready to toss out their old ones. The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) is reminding people how to best dispose of old electronics through recycling.
Certain electronics can't be put in recycling bins or trash because they contain hazardous materials like lead or mercury. These items should be taken to special drop-off locations stationed throughout the county by the DPW.
The North Kent Recycling & Waste Center and South Kent Recycling & Waste Center both offer electronics recycling. There is also a drop-off location on Wealthy Street.
DPW officials say this reminder is crucial during the holiday shopping season.
“We know Kent County residents may be replacing electronic items after Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, and it’s important to properly recycle or dispose of their old items to protect our community and our environment,” said Katelyn Kikstra, waste reduction educator at the DPW. “The DPW has a wealth of resources available for residents who have hard-to-dispose-of items so we can keep harmful materials out of landfills.”
If your electronics are still working, they can be donated to charities or sold. If they don't work, officials say recycling is the best way to get rid of them.
This year, the DPW has collected 208,591 pounds of recycled electronics. To find a full list of items that the DPW will accept or find a drop-off location, click here.
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