Who can participate in the Western UP Electronics Recycling Program?

Any individual, living in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties, who has generated electronic waste as a result of use in a household, may bring their items to e-waste collection sites on the specified dates. 

Additionally, conditionally exempt small quantity generators may participate in e-waste collections on a limited basis.  Businesses and organizations, which fit within this category must contact the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program at 482-7382 prior to the e-waste collection in their community to receive approval for disposal of specified amounts.

How do I prepare my items for recycling?

You do not need to do anything special to your electronics to prepare them for recycling.  We ask that you avoid packaging items in boxes or bags.  And, you must be able to carry the items you bring for collection.

How is this program funded?

The Western Upper Peninsula Electronics Program is a project of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a program of the Western UP District Health Department.  The project is funded by a grant through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and receives additional support from participant cost-sharing.

What happens to my electronics after I leave them at a collection site?

The Western UP Electronics Recycling Program is contracting for the pick-up and transport of electronics collected during recycling drives, with STAR Industries of Marquette.  All of the items collected are taken to Wisconsin, where they are deconstructed, and each component is recycled.  One hundred percent of materials collected are recycled.

Why do I have to pay to participate?

Electronics recycling is an expensive endeavor.  Asking program participants to contribute to the cost of recycling e-waste will allow for widespread community involvement, and will help to create a program that can operate for years to come.

Why should I get rid of my old electronics?

Many people believe that placing older electronics in storage is a good idea because they may be useful one day.  Unfortunately, the longer electronic devices remain in storage, the less valuable they become.  If you have a newer device that is in good working condition, that you feel would benefit someone, try contacting a local school or non-profit agency.  Donations of quality, up to date working equipment can be very valuable to an organization working with a limited budget.  If the electronics you have in storage are not in sound working order, or if they have been in storage for many years, it’s time to recycle.

Why should I recycle my electronic waste?

While electronics continue to become more advanced, they also continue to contain a variety of toxins, which are hazardous to the environment.  For example, laptop computers are small, portable, and allow you to take your work with you.  Unfortunately, the bulbs, which illuminate the screen of a laptop, contains mercury, an element that is highly toxic.