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OCRRA provides guidance on recycling E-Waste

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Some central New Yorkers appear to be confused about where to bring their e-waste. E-waste includes items like old computers, televisions and other small electronic devices.

OCRRA wants to remind central New Yorkers that they shouldn't bring those castoffs to the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency.

Last year, New York's electronic disposal law went into effect. The law made it free for schools, households and even small businesses to recycle these electronic items. Despite the change, 10 percent of this kind of waste still lands in OCRRA facilities across the county, according to Executive Director Mark Donnelly.

It seems that there are still some stragglers when it comes to recycling their E-Waste in the proper place.
 
"I think people take the easiest route that they can," Donnelly said.

He said it may be an honest mistake. People are unaware of the free alternatives to getting rid of old electronic devices.

"We end up providing it anyway because they bring it to us. We still accept it because we don't want it to end up on the side of the highway," said Donnelly.

When OCRRA does take e-waste, they have to transport it to private businesses. They function as a broker in these situations but don't get paid for this extra service. Some private companies often make money off of the used items, but this does not translate to profit for OCRRA.

Donnelly says this extra work increases OCRRA's costs and ultimately, their fees.

There are more than a dozen retail outlets and private recycling agencies that will take your E-waste for free in Onondaga County. They are listed on the OCRRA website.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.