Recycle household, electronic items at Health Department Oct. 4

HANCOCK -- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will collect unwanted household items from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (540 Depot St., a block south of eastbound US 41) in Hancock.

Among the items accepted are computers and accessories, microwave ovens, stereos, TVs and monitors, DVD players, VCRs, cordless phones and electronic ballasts (all $0.10/lb.); fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs ($0.50 each); alkaline batteries ($0.85/lb.); rechargeable batteries and cell phones with batteries (free). (This opportunity does not apply to Michigan Tech-owned electronics, which are recycled through the University's e-waste program.)

For more details, see www.wupdhd.org/rsvp/e-waste.html or call Barb Maronen at the health department (482-7382).

Spread the Word: The transition to digital TV in February 2009 may result in people prematurely discarding analog televisions in the mistaken belief that they will no longer work. Only analog TVs that receive signals via rooftop or "rabbit ears" antennas will require converter boxes. A government-sponsored $40 coupon program will help pay for up to two boxes per household: See www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009. Cable and satellite TV subscribers can continue to use their existing TVs, even if they aren't digital-ready models. For more information visit www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html.