Eugene (KMTR) - If Santa brings you a brand new TV or computer this Christmas, you should be aware that you won't be able to simply toss your old one in the trash.
On January 1st, a new law takes effect in Oregon, making it illegal to throw TVs, laptops, computers and monitors into the landfill.
Sarah Grimm of Lane County Solid Waste Management says these electronics contain toxins, such as lead, that are dangerous to the environment.
“And lead, when it hits our waterways, is very dangerous to human health. The risk it poses to the environment to have these tossed in the garbage or recycled irresponsibly is huge and very important for us to avoid," Grimm says.
In accordance with the new law, the state is making it possible for consumers to recycle these electronics free of charge.
In Lane County, discarded electronics may be dropped off at the solid waste transfer stations in Glenwood, Florence, Vida, Cottage Grove and Veneta. They may also be taken to Next Step Recycling, Garten Services or to any Goodwill store.
The new law also requires electronic manufacturers to join a statewide recycling program or create their own. And retailers must let consumers know how to recycle their old electronic devices when they purchase new ones.
