What do you do with your electronic devices once you are done using them? Do you throw them in the trash or dispose of them the right way? Many people are not aware that there is a proper way to dispose of electronic devices as well as most household chemicals. On Jan. 1, 2012, Illinois banned electronic waste from landfills. The landfill ban includes: TVs, computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, gaming systems, VCRs, radios, scanners, fax machines and small scale servers

Illinois Senator Susan Garrett and Representative Daniel Biss sponsored the Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act. With Illinois’ electronic waste standard being one of the strongest in the nation, representatives are hoping this will encourage consumers to take advantage of free recycling options.

It may be difficult to know whether or not it is okay to throw out old batteries or electronic products no longer in use but people often forget the effects it has on landfills. The ban will help keep toxic chemicals like lead, mercury and arsenic out of our soil and water.

Other electronic products contain materials that can be recycled for reuse such as copper, gold and circuit chips. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 400 million electronic products each year. This ban will help people understand that not everything can be thrown into the blue recycling bins.

Other household items some people throw out with the trash include household cleaners and oil based paints which contain substances that can also contaminate the air.

The Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility accepts a range of items, including oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, computers and related equipment. There are also several free residential recycling programs in place for electronic products ...