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�- � ,� �, �� .— _� �� .�+.1�..-."�� ' Disposal of Electronics H15to1'y/T1'e11d5: While electronics are similar to appliances and so- called white goods, they require a separate system of disposal. In order to properly handle and recycle the components of electronics such as TV's, VCR's, computers and stereos requires different equipment and specially trained workers. It's projected that by 2007 an estimated 500 million per- sonal computers will be discarded nationally. Additiona]]y broadcast televi- sion stations are required to switch to digital signals by 2006. While current TV sets can be adapted to receive those signals, there is the potential that many consumers will purchase new digital sets that fully show the improved picture and discard the old ones. Electronics, unlike white goods, currently have little value as recycling. White goods such as washing machines have significant amounts of inetal that can be recovered. Some components of electronics can be recycled, but the markets are still developing. Because of handling require- ments and recycling difficulty it is typically more expensive to properly dispose of electronics. A key consideration in handling electronics is the amount of hazardous material present. For instance every television and computer monitor contains a picture tube known as a cathode ray tube or CRT. A CRT contains between two and six pounds of lead. Lead exposure is known to cause neurological disorders. CRT's may also contain other hazardous or toxic substances such as cadmium. Because of the toxic materials inside them, electronics should not be put in with your regular trash. CRT's can be reused or recycled, as can circuit boards and other components of electronic items, plastic, glass and metals. In Minnesota there are no known curbside collection programs for electronics. Instead communities partner with private firms to offer drop offs during clean up day programs, have year-round drop off sites in the community, or educate residents about private companies that will pick up items or accept drop offs at their facilities. Roseville does the latter. Roseville encourages residents to either donate working items to a charity such as Computers for Schools or if the item is antiquated or no longer working to take it to an electronics recycling company such as Asset Recovery Corporation in St. Paul. They can also arrange a special pickup with their garbage hauler, but this is typically more expensive than taking it to a disposal firm. The garbage hauler then takes the electronics to a disposal firm. Waste Management even has a branch of its company that deals with electronics disposal. Many Roseville residents prefer to give their old appliances and electronics to charity. For�y-nine percent of homeowners and 45% of multi-family complex residents surveyed in 2002 said they had donated such an item to charity. Eighteen percent of both homeowners and multi-family compleX residents said they sold Donate to Charity Sell it Take to Disposal Facility Arranged Pickup 30 Homeowners 49% 18% 30% 33% Multifamilv 45% 18% 30% 18%