OAKLAND, Calif. – Nov. 2, 2013 – As daylight saving time ends Nov. 2 and Americans set their clocks back one hour, it’s a time when many diligent folks change the batteries in their home smoke detectors. And with plenty of holiday cooking around the corner, Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) uses the occasion to remind its communities that proper disposal and recycling of electronics and batteries is easy and the right thing to do.
“With that extra hour, you have the gift of time to ensure a safe and delicious holiday season,” said Rebecca Jewell, Recycling Program Manager, WMAC. “It’s important to check your home smoke detection devices before the holiday cooking begins, and it’s just as important to properly handle and recycle batteries and smoke detectors that are no longer in use.”
“Some types of batteries contain toxic constituents, such as mercury and cadmium,” Jewell said. “Batteries and electronic products do not belong in the trash.”
California prohibits disposal of batteries in landfills. To learn more about proper battery and electronics disposal, Alameda County residents can check their waste disposal service guide or visit StopWaste.org and click on “Household Hazardous Waste.”
In addition, smoke alarms and detectors contain small amounts of radioactive waste, and should only be handled by an electronics recycling plant. EPA has an informative section on smoke detectors on its website.
“We would like to remind people that any electronic, like an old TV, computer screen or radio, needs to be taken to a recycling plant for disposal, rather than placed on the curb or thrown in the trash,” said Jewell. “In many electronics, cadmium and lead are commonly found. Even old cell phones shouldn't be tossed in the trash; they should be donated or recycled.”
Nov. 16 America Recycles Day Event
The recycling-minded community, StopWaste, specialty recyclers and Waste Management will celebrate America Recycles Day on Nov. 16 at the Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex. This free event is for anyone who has ever wondered what happens to recyclables after it leaves the curb. There will be an all-star cast of recyclers, tours and recycling activities to answer, “Where does it all go?”
Visitors can also drop off hangers and electronics for free recycling as well as clothing, shoes, books, VHS tapes, CDs and DVDs for reuse (in partnership with DR3 Recycling of Oakland).
The event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 2615 Davis St. For more information, visit www.dsgardencenter.com.
