Electronic waste, or E-waste, is a rapidly growing environmental and public health concern, according to the World Health Organization, and the U.S. is the leading producer of E-waste, discarding about three million tons per year.
But many people are unaware of the hazards posed by the improper disposal of broken televisions and computer monitors in conventional landfills or along roadsides, such as the release of lead and other toxic chemicals.
That’s where Jefferson County officials come in. The country regularly organizes free public events where residents can drop off these items safely.
In fact, Jefferson County has a total of five free electronics and TV drop-off and paper shredding events scheduled for 2025.
Two of those events will also allow residents to dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) from their garages, basements, kitchens and bathrooms.
The first electronics drop-off and paper shredding event is set for Jan. 25 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Birmingham Zoo at 2630 Cahaba Road.
“This event is perfect for people who got new electronic devices or TVs over the holidays and need to dispose of old ones,” said county spokesperson Helen Hays.
Two other events for electronics drop-off and paper shredding will be held on May 10 at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse and June 14 at the Jefferson County Valley Reclamation Facility in Bessemer.
The county will host two events this year at which residents can dispose of HWW, as well as electronics, TVs and paper for shredding.
The first event, on April 12 from 8-11:30 a.m., will take place at a total of three sites in Gardendale, Irondale, Bessemer. The second event will be held on October 18 from 8-11:30 a.m. at Camp Ketona in Birmingham and at Camp Bessemer.
HWW consists of automotive products, such as oil, gas, tires and batteries; household products, including aerosols, chemicals, cleaners; outdoor products, including insecticides, pool chemicals and yard chemicals; and paint products, such as paints, resins, sealants, stains and solvents.
The county also accepts a wide range of miscellaneous items, including fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, large appliances and household cooking oil and grease.
“HHW should never be emptied into sinks or drains, flushed down toilets, poured onto the ground, discarded in storm drains or placed in regular trash for pickup,”said Hana Berres, who serves as the Education Training Manager for the county’s stormwater program.
The free drop-off events “are gaining interest, and we see annual increases in attendance,” she said.
Since Fiscal Year 2020, the county has hosted 17 events where about 4,000 households dropped off nearly 212,000 pounds of electronics.
“By organizing these free disposal events around Jefferson County, especially in areas where these items are frequently abandoned along roadways, we’ve decreased the amount of waste the county needs to manage,” Berres said.
For more information — including the items the county accepts — call 205-325-8741 or go to jccal.org.
You may also download the MyJeffCo App or scan the QR code.
