E-cycling event coming again soon

Not sure how to get rid of your old television or laptop? Concerned about discarding your old devices because they still contain private data?

For the last few years, Crook County Natural Resource District has helped the community solve these questions with an annual event that offers the opportunity to properly and safely dispose of your unwanted electronic items.

This year’s events will take place on August 7 in Sundance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on August 28 in Hulett from 10 a.m. until noon.

“Sundance will be at the fairgrounds – we will set up near the shooting sports building under the canopy. There will be signs and people will be able to drive through,” says Bridget Helms, CCNRD. “Hulett we will set up in front of the Town Hall.”

Electronic waste contains valuable components such as gold, platinum and rare earths. It also, however, contains toxic components including mercury and cadmium, and CCNRD’s original inspiration for this e-cycling event came from the knowledge that such substances are best kept out of groundwater and soil.

An additional problem with disposing of electronics is the risk that they may end up in a third world country or information stored on them can be misused if it lands up in the wrong hands. CCNRD enlisted the help of MeTech Recycling, a Denver company that holds certifications to ensure safe disposal.

“MeTech has the R2 designation and is a safe and secure place to send your items,” says Bridget Helms.

“They ensure they will be destroyed.”

As in years past, says Sarah Anderson of CCNRD, “We’re going to do the first 100lbs free.” After this, the charge will be 35 cents per pound, which is based on the disposal fee in Denver.