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New Recycling Options Come to South Dakota
With the increasing trend toward “going green,” South
Dakota households now have two new recycling options available for mercury thermostats,
fluorescent lights,
and electronics.
Since May 1, consumers can recycle compact fluorescent
lamps (CFLs) and mercury-containg thermostats at select
Ace
Hardware stores located in the Black Hills. This recycling option is part
of a pilot program supported by the South Dakota Department of Environment and
Natural Resources.
By recycling mercury-containing
products through participating Ace Hardware
locations, these products can be collected rather than ending up where the mercury can be released.
After collection, the products are
shipped to Veolia Environmental Services and the Thermostat Recycling
Corporation, where the mercury is removed and then recycled along with other
parts of the thermostat.
The second new recycling option is located on the eastern
part of the state.
Best Buy Company, located in Sioux Falls, is testing a free program that
will offer consumers a convenient way to ensure old and unwanted electronics
stay out of local landfills and areas where they can pollute the environment. The trial program involves 117 Best Buy
stores in eight states that will collect a variety of electronics at no charge
to the consumer.
Each consumer may bring up to two electronics items per day
to a participating Best Buy store. Electronics that will be accepted include
old computer processors, computer monitors, and televisions with screens up to
32 inches. Console televisions, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and other
large appliances will not be accepted.
All Best Buy stores already have been accepting such
electronics waste as worn-out batteries, empty ink-jet cartridges, and cell
phones for several years. Best Buy also will haul away old appliances and
television sets when customers pay to have a replacement delivered to their
homes.
For more recycling information… |
