By By Lisa Tindell
If you have a printer that no longer works or is taking on the characteristics of a dinosaur, Saturday may be the perfect opportunity to unload that useless junk.
A county wide electronic recycling drive is planned for this weekend with drop-off locations in Atmore, Flomaton and Brewton.
David Stokes, chairman of the Escambia County Commission, said the effort being coordinated through the commission is in response to a need for disposal of televisions.
Stokes said no landfill used by Escambia County takes electronic equipment, including televisions.
County commissioner for district 4, Brandon Smith, said that he is especially anxious for the drive to be successful, because of the problems the county has encountered previously with illegal dumping and because of the lack of appropriate disposal facilities.“You can’t just haul these (electronics) to the dump,” he said. “Right now is the time to do this when this company can come by and get it. We don’t need these out in the creeks and lakes.”
Smith said he would also organize a pick up of items for the elderly or those unable to get out. Those people in need of having items picked up may call Smith at 368-2148 or 368-5985.
Stokes said the county will incur a cost for each television dropped off for recycling Saturday at any of the locations in the county.
Stokes also encouraged those interested in recycling unusable items to consider other options before committing to this program.
Atmore residents can take items to the city warehouse behind Atmore City Hall. Brewton area residents will be able to bring electronic equipment to a disposal/recycling location at the former Wal-Mart location on Douglas Avenue. Flomaton area residents may bring accepted items to the Flomaton Fire House on U.S. 31 South near the Hwy. 113 intersection.
Items delivered to the recycling locations must be in clean, recyclable condition, Stokes said.
Acceptable items during the recycling drive are televisions, telephones, microwaves, keyboards, cameras, copiers, vacuums, DVD players, computers, cell phones, speakers, computer mice, projectors, printers, VCRs, hard drives, copiers, LCT and CRT monitors, ink cartridges, remote controls, FAX machines, transformers, HUBs/ modems, non-hazardous medical equipment and rechargeable batteries for electronic devices. Items not accepted include refrigerators, washers, dryers, freezers, dishwashers, household garbage, tires, paint, pesticides, bio-waste, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, mercury containing devices, hazardous chemicals and smoke detectors.
For additional information concerning the Take Pride County Wide recycling efforts, or to volunteer, contact the county’s environmental office at 446-9406.
Advance news editor MaryClaire Foster contributed to this story.