Fall Metals and Electronics Drive Oct. 6 at Machesney Park Mall

Volunteers Tom Arnould and Karina Roman work the Spring Metals and Electronics Drive. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Area residents are encouraged to bring any old electronics, appliances and scrap metal to Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful’s (KNIB) Fall Metals and Electronics Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, at Machesney Park Mall in the south parking lot near JC’s Five Star Outlet.

After Jan. 1, the Illinois Electronic Products Recycling & Reuse Act banned computers, monitors, laptops, printers and an array of electronics from landfills.

“We will gladly accept these items at our drive,” said Lori Gummow, executive director of KNIB. “We accept computer monitors and peripherals for free; however, a small fee is charged to remove the Freon from refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers, per EPA requirements.”

Televisions are no longer accepted at the drive.

Items accepted at no charge include computers, laptops, computer monitors, printers, DVD/VCR players and recorders, fax machines, scanners, video game consoles, audio equipment, telephones, cell phones, cameras/camcorders, computer keyboards, mice, wires, and office electronic equipment such as typewriters, calculators, shredders, copy machines, postage machines, credit card machines, projectors, computer software, backup drives and miscellaneous electronics.

Appliances including microwave ovens, washers, dryers, water heaters, hair dryers, power tools, electric motors, toasters, coffee makers (no glass), blenders and mixers (no glass), Christmas lights, and stereo equipment will also be accepted. Virtually all metal items will be accepted for free.

Items accepted for a $10 fee each include refrigerators, freezers, propane tanks, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. This fee covers the cost of decanting and tagging these items for proper EPA disposal.

Since 1988, KNIB has engaged all elements of the community to enhance neighborhoods by reducing, reusing and recycling the world’s resources for future generations. Its mission has been to improve the environment through education, public awareness and community involvement.

For more information, or to volunteer, go to www.knib.org or call (815) 637-1343.

From the Sept. 19-25, 2012, issue