Free e-waste recycling returns to Washington?

February 5, 2018

(Picture: www.bbc.com)

The American town is exploring a proposal that would end the current charges for e-waste recycling.

Washington Township in Pennsylvania is considering bringing free electronics recycling back to the town, reports Herald-Mail Media.

Currently, according to its policy of sending devices away to be recycled, the fee passed onto the person attempting to recycle can be more than $200 (€160). E-waste, such as computers, printers, and associated peripherals, cannot presently be recycled with the rest of residents’ regular household or business waste, despite many items incurring an additional fee at purchase, specifically to cover recycling costs.

But a new proposal from Fresno, California-based ERI would see township residents sending items such as televisions to be recycled for free, with other e-waste costing 30 cents (24 euro cents) per pound, costs which would be covered by the municipality.

“I really think we need to go back to taking them for free,” said Jeffrey Geesaman, the Township Manager, who has told Washington’s elected supervisors to consider accepting the proposal, and bring free e-waste recycling back to the town.

The supervisors will announce their decision this week.