New year, new gadgets? Fayette County offers options for recycling electronics
Courtesy of Sheila Shea
Now that the holidays have passed, many people may be looking to get rid of electronics rendered obsolete with a new, gifted gadget.
Sheila Shea, the recycling coordinator for the Fayette County Recycling Convenience Center, confirmed they see an uptick in recycled goods this time of year. The recycling center is a drive-thru facility located at 105 Romeo Lane, Uniontown.
“Around the Christmas season, we always get a lot of TVs. People seem to get new TVs, new electronics. We do get a lot more cardboard,” Shea said.
But those looking for a way to get rid of one of the most festive parts of the holiday season are out of luck.
“We don’t take your Christmas lights,” Shea said.
The recycling center does not charge for most electronic devices, including televisions, computers and printers. Shea said they just ask for a monetary donation.
Household appliances such as air conditioners, washers and dryers have a $2 fee per item.
In addition to Christmas lights, there are several other materials the recycling center is unable to process: resin plastics, tempered glass, ceramics, porcelain, auto glass, vinyl and textiles.
Shea also encourages that customers donate items that are still in good, workable condition.
“Something that can be reused … don’t just throw it in your trash,” Shea said.
The recycling center has limited hours of operation. They are open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. While there are more than a dozen drop-off bins for recyclables throughout Fayette County, those do not take electronic devices. The recycling and stormwater page of the county website includes a listing of drop-off locations, accepted materials and operating hours.
“Check with your township supervisors, your township office. If I don’t answer, leave a message,” Shea said, adding that she is best reached by her county email address if anyone has questions about recycling.
Washington County residents also have a local option for recycling electronics. The county partners with JVS Environmental, which takes televisions, computer monitors and accessories, speakers, and printers. While most items are recycled free of charge, CRT televisions have a $50 disposal fee.
JVS Environmental operates the recycling program the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The facility is located at 1 American Way, Ellsworth. It sits behind the local post office.
A full schedule is available at washingtoncopa.gov/planning.