Updated: Electronics recycling collection to be Sept. 15 at Health Dept. in Hancock

HANCOCK -- An electronics recycling collection will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Western UP Health Dept., 500 Depot St., Hancock (the blue building).

Use Water St. to access the Health Dept. and help avoid congestion on Hancock St. You can recycle batteries for $1.50/lb. and all manner of electronic equipment: computers, printers, cell phones, VCR and DVD players, etc., for FREE. This is a project of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).

Update: Businesses interested in participating in the collection must contact the RSVP office at 482-7382 prior to collection day for approval, fees and drop time.

Risks of electronic waste:

Most electronic devices contain metals and other hazardous materials, which pose a significant threat to human and environmental health if mismanaged, landfilled, or incinerated. Listed below are the materials, which pose the greatest threat from mismanaged electronic waste.

Lead: Computer monitors and televisions contain the greatest amount of lead, approximately 4-6 pounds, in the form of leaded glass. Circuit boards from electronic devices typically contain small amounts of lead in the form of solder.

Cadmium: Most typically found in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries, but may also be present in plated contacts and switches, and PVC wire.

Mercury: Most typically used in bulbs that provide energy-efficient illumination in electronics. Electronic waste is the leading source of mercury in landfills.

For more information see the RSVP Web site.