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Our newsroom has received a number of calls and e-mails asking why if the State Department of Ecology is promoting free e-cycling, some people are being asked to pay anywhere from $5-15. We hopped online to the Department of Ecology's website. It turns out stores like Staples and Office Depot charge you money for what's called a drop-off box; you buy a box and can fill it with electronic recyclables. We talked to Office Depot, and they tell us they charge the money for shipping and the state's new ecology law does not affect them.

Free recycling of televisions, laptop and desktop computers and monitors will be available in Clallam and Jefferson counties starting Friday, thanks to the new E-Cycle Washington program. That means no one needs to throw away such gear and add to already-stuffed landfills, said John Friederick of the Washington Materials Management & Financing Authority, organizer of E-Cycle Washington. Households, businesses, school districts, government agencies and nonprofit groups can take advantage of the free program. The state Electronic Product Recycling Act requires electronics makers to pay for E-Cycle Washington, and the companies collecting equipment must adhere to state Department of Ecology standards for responsible recycling. For information visit Ecology's Web site, www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproduct recycle.

Let's talk about electronic waste, better known as e-waste. STORY TOOLS Years ago, if a toy or appliance broke, your mom or dad would try to fix it, often with mixed results. But few people understand how e-products work, much less how to fix them. When televisions and computers first came out, old ones were often passed down to relatives, charities or to schools. But now, lower prices and rapid development in technology are sending more and more televisions and computers to the e-waste trash heap. Just how many? In 1970, the average household in Washington averaged one television set per household, and personal computers were unheard of. The Department of Ecology estimates that by the end of 2008 there will be one television for every person in the state and even more computers than people.

The program is operated by the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority, a quasi-governmental agency created by the legislation to work with the 200 or so manufacturers that sell computers and televisions in Washington state. In addition, the state Department of Ecology has certified four electronic waste processing firms - two in this state, one in Oregon and one in California - to disassemble the electronic equipment into separate materials for reuse or safe disposal, including glass, plastic, metal and toxic chemicals. The program is designed in part to stem the flow of electronic waste to Third World countries, where it is often dismantled crudely, threatening the environment, public health and the health of workers.

The WMMFA is the manufacturer board-directed authority created by state law to handle the recycling of certain electronics in the state of Washington. Our job is to follow state law and guidelines as set forth by the department of Ecology to create a standard plan that manufacturers will participate in and finance. We coordinate collectors, transporters and processors to recycle covered electronics, then bill participating member manufacturers for the costs. Starting January 1st, 2009 covered electronics: TVs, Computer Monitors, Laptops and Computer towers will be recycled. The plan does not cover printers, scanners, keyboards, mice or other accessories.

Free Electronics Recycling Begins January 1, 2009 There are many electronics recyclers in Washington that provide environmentally sound recycling services. However, these recyclers may charge a fee at this time to accept items for recycling.