SBU Coordinates Lamp, Ballast and Computer Recycling Day

SBU is coordinating another recycling service pick up day for light bulbs, ballasts, batteries and computer components on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Materials can be brought to the SBU office from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our office is located at 230 East Vine Street behind the west side fire station. Customers with large quantities of items (over 300) should call SBU by Monday, February 15, 2010, and we will schedule a direct pick up by the vender.

All lamps and ballasts must be placed in cartons (remove the dividers from the lamp boxes), closed, and taped to secure the materials. The number of items in the boxes or containers must be clearly marked on the outside.

Customers will be charged for each item to be disposed of by SBU’s vendor. Incandescent and fluorescent lamp disposal is typically between $.19 and $.32 per lamp. The cost to dispose HID lamps is $.83 each. The cost for computer monitors, hard drives and other computer components (i.e. keyboards, printers) is $.25 per pound. Please note: Battery ends must be taped prior to bringing in. For a more detailed list click here. Customers must pay for the service at the time they deliver the materials. Checks should be made payable to Sturgeon Bay Utilities. Residential customers must pay by CASH only.

Sturgeon Bay Utilities offers this service to our customers to ensure that these materials are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. We do not profit from this event.

An article distributed by the Associated Press indicated that waste management officials from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota have drafted a proposal that would lead to the banning of computer equipment and televisions from landfills. The proposal would need legislative approval.

According to a report from the University of Wisconsin Extension office, Wisconsinites dumped more that one million computers into landfills from 2002-2005. Some electronic equipment such as computers contain hazardous waste. More than 3 pounds of lead (which is considered a carcinogen) are in the average computer. Electronic equipment also contains recyclable materials that can be eliminated from the landfills.

Mark your calendars for our next 2009 recycling date:

• May 12
  
• September 15
  
• December 15

If you have any questions about this event please contact the SBU office at 746-2820.