Free electronics recycling event in Starke County on Saturday

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST, the public can bring unwanted electronics to the Knox Community Schools.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), Knox Community Schools, and the Starke County Solid Waste Management District are hosting a free electronics recycling event on Saturday.

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CST, the public can bring unwanted electronics to the Knox Community Schools at #2 Redskin Trail in Knox.

"IDEM is happy to administer Indiana's E-Cycle Program," said Assistant Commissioner Bob Lugar. "By working with municipalities and registered collectors and recyclers, Hoosiers have a safe way to dispose of unwanted electronics and contribute to Indiana's circular recycling economy."

Unwanted electronics can be dropped off at no cost by drive-up or walk-up. Accepted items include TVs, cables and wiring, cell phones, computer towers and monitors, printers, and more.

As of Jan. 1, 2011, Indiana households, small businesses, and public schools are prohibited from disposing of e-waste in any trash intended for disposal at a landfill or by burning or incineration. Electronics contain heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium, that can be harmful if released into the environment and should be managed as household hazardous waste rather than ordinary household trash.

For a list of accepted e-waste items and more information about the Indiana E-Cycle program, visit idem.IN.gov/recycle/indiana-e-cycle.