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Tacoma Goodwill announced Tuesday it will be a major participant in the statewide effort of free recycling of televisions, computers, laptops and monitors beginning Jan. 2. According to a statement released this week, Goodwill will accept all electronic equipment, including keyboards, printers, other peripherals and cel phones. Donations to the nonprofit agency are also tax deductible. "We offer more than 40 free, convenient drop-off locations across Western and Southcentral Washington," said Eric Hulscher, Goodwill operations manager overseeing the program. "Participating in the program is in keeping with Goodwill's reduce, reuse and recycle efforts."

Oregon and Washington have collected almost 5 million pounds of electronic waste since their free recycling programs went into effect in January. The free recycling applies to TVs, monitors and computers, both desktops and laptops. Oregon reported about 1.5 million pounds collected in January, ahead of the 12.2 million pounds projected for the year. Washington said residents brought in slightly less than 3.3 million pounds, establishing a pace that would far exceed the state's projection of 25 million pounds for 2009. Officials, however, expect the pace to taper off a bit. People appeared to stockpile a large amount of electronics while waiting for the program to start Jan. 1. "Our recyclers told us they were just inundated at first," said Kathy Kiwala, manager of Oregon's electronics program for the Department of Environmental Quality. "The activity continues to be strong but not like it was the first two weeks," she said. Oregon and Washington have collected almost 5 million pounds of electronic waste since their free recycling programs went into effect in January. The free recycling applies to TVs, monitors and computers, both desktops and laptops. Oregon reported about 1.5 million pounds collected in January, ahead of the 12.2 million pounds projected for the year. Washington said residents brought in slightly less than 3.3 million pounds, establishing a pace that would far exceed the state's projection of 25 million pounds for 2009. Officials, however, expect the pace to taper off a bit. People appeared to stockpile a large amount of electronics while waiting for the program to start Jan. 1. "Our recyclers told us they were just inundated at first," said Kathy Kiwala, manager of Oregon's electronics program for the Department of Environmental Quality. "The activity continues to be strong but not like it was the first two weeks," she said.

Free recycling of TVs, computers, laptops and monitors started Jan. 2, with Port Townsend's Goodwill serving as a participant in the statewide effort. Goodwill accepts all electronic equipment, including keyboards, printers, other peripherals and cell phones. Donations to the nonprofit agency are also tax deductible. "Participating in the program is in keeping with Goodwill's reduce, reuse and recycle efforts," said Eric Hulscher, Goodwill operations manager overseeing the program. Hulscher noted that donors could take their time and bring in donations at their convenience. "This is a permanent, ongoing program, not a one-day event," he said.

The Electronics TakeBack Coalition provides several excellent Consumer Guides that walk you through just how you go about finding a recycling facility for your old electronics. It can be worrisome, since you have to be careful your device is going to a responsible recycler and not someone who will ship it overseas to an unregulated and often highly toxic facility.

NBC25 NEWS - Ever wonder what to do with an old cell phone or outdated computer? There are better options than the trash. Computers, printers, and cell phones can all be saved from the landfill, but more often than not, outdated and unwanted electronics end up in the trash. "90 percent of all electronics, they are not disposed of properly, so you can see that poses a huge environmental problem," said Collin Marshall with Best Buy.

Maybe you just got a new TV or computer. Great. What's going to happen to the old one? You could sell it, donate it or recycle it. Just don't throw it in the trash."There are so many toxics in electronics it is very important that they be kept out of the landfill," said Tom Watson, King County's Eco-Consumer. He says those toxic materials include mercury, cadmium and lead. "In some of some of the older computer monitors and TVs, there are more than 4 pounds of lead in those," he said.

Oregon health officials are advising people to wait until a new law takes effect Jan. 1 to recycle electronic gear for free, but several local refuse collection services are accepting old TVs, computers and monitors now without charge.

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.