Curbside Collection
Electronics Recycling
Electronics brought to the RSWC for recycling are transported to an electronics recycler, REACT, located in Horseheads, NY. Upon arrival, the materials are evaluated for reuse. Those that are no longer working or are too old will be completely dismantled and each component will be separated out for recycling. Very little residue is left for disposal from this process. Recovered materials are sent to metal and plastic mills for recycling in the US, Canada and abroad.
The average cathode ray tubes (CRT) contains more than 5 pounds of lead as a shielding material. CRTs that can not be reused are dismantled and the glass is crushed, stripped of its phosphors, and sent to monitor manufacturers. This is "glass to glass" recycling. Some glass may also be sent to lead smelters.
Computer Reuse
Tompkins County Solid Waste works in cooperation with the City of Ithaca Youth Bureau and helps fund the Computer All Stars program. This program provides training to County youth on computer maintenance and repair. Based on income, eligible participants are able to take a computer home.
Babbage's Basement is a volunteer organization that accepts old computers and peripherals, which are screened, evaluated and refurbished. The refurbished systems are made available to the public for a suggested donation. All funds generated by this program are donated to the Sciencenter. In addition to the computer reuse program this organization manages Einstein's Attic, which is a program that accepts other used electronic equipment and laboratory supplies and equipment. This program also makes items available for a suggested donation, which is then given to the Sciencenter.
Do you really need to buy a new TV because of all-digital broadcasting?
