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 Electronic products containing a cathode ray tube (CRT), such as TVs and computer monitors, may not be placed in the garbage. Electronic products contain lead and other heavy metals which are harmful to human health and the environment.
Lead from CRTs is the largest single source of lead in Minnesota's municipal waste. Approximately 20% of each CRT is made up of lead; this is between 5-8 pounds of lead per unit. The ban will keep toxic lead and other recyclable components of electronics out of landfills.
The solution is to recycle your electronics. There are several options for recycling electronics, including:
- Take-Back Programs: Some manufacturers and retailers will take back your old electronics for recycling. Some such as HP and Radio Shack even offer cash back.
- Exchange Programs: If it still works, give it away on the Twin Cities Free Market.
- Recycling Companies: For a fee, you can drop off your old electronics for recycling. Check with each company for their rates and services:
- Asset Recovery 2299 Territorial Road, St. Paul, 651-602-0789;
- WM LampTracker, 2007 County Rd C-2, Roseville, 651-628-9370;
- Retrofit Recycling 2960 Yorktown Blvd, Little Canada, 651-766-7422;
- Best Buy, 1643 County Road B2, 651-746-0538 is taking select items for $10 and the offset that by giving you a $10 gift certificate.
- Call the Ramsey County Hotline at 651-633-3279 for more information.
- Clean Up Day: Roseville accepts electronics at the city-wide Clean Up Day on the last Saturday in April.
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