If you were wondering what you can do to get rid of that old, large television set taking up space in your basement, a free Kent County program can take them off your hands.
“I think to date, we had charges upwards of 40-thousand dollars of fees to resident wanting to do the right thing.”
Until now, Kent County Director of Public Works, Darwin Baas says residents have had to pay to have their old, television sets recycled. And while many residents have taken it upon themselves.
“We know that there are so many more out there, that are just in the garage, downstairs, wherever they might be; it would seem that with all the flat screens sold over the last 5 to 6 years we wouldn’t see so many of these out there, but we have seen an overwhelming response. “
Baas is talking about the county’s new free recycling program. They’re partnering with a manufacturer-supported recycling program which allows residents to drop off the old cathode ray tube televisions and computer monitors. He says not only is it free, but it’s the safe way to dispose of those old TV’s.
“The older CRT or cathode ray style TV, the one’s we kinda grew up with. The tube itself has lead in it. And depending on the size of the TV, typically 5 to 10 pounds of lead. Three TV”s have about the amount of a car battery. That’s the main reason we’re going after these style of television.”
There are three recycling locations and all you have to do is drop the item off.
“So we have the South Kent Landfill, the North Kent Transfer Station and then our recycling center.”
Baas says even if you’re not a country resident but live nearby, you can still drop off for free. The program runs until September 30th. The county has collected nearly six million pounds of electronics, including those CRT devices since 2001.
