bi-monthly column

ASK A MECK COUNTY EXPERT

Mecklenburg County Solid Waste experts receive hundreds of residential waste disposal and recycling questions weekly. To educate and empower Natural Awakenings readers, their experts provide updates and answer some of the most frequently asked questions in a bi-monthly column.

This month we celebrate International E-Waste Day, Friday October 14, 2022, by inviting readers to these free public events:

Friday, October 14

• 9 a.m. to noon: Special Partnership Event with GOODWILL. Drop off unwanted electronics to be donated or recycled responsibly at the North Meck Recycling Center, 12300 N Statesville Rd in Huntersville.

• Noon to 1 p.m.: Learn how to safely discard household electronics by registering for the Recycle Right Mecklenburg County webinar. Advanced registration required: https://meck.co/3Av5ziJ

Saturday, October 15

• 9 a.m. to noon: Securely shred confidential documents at Compost Central Recycling Center, 140 Valleydale Rd in Charlotte.

• 9 a.m. to noon: Special Partnership Event with GOODWILL. Drop off unwanted electronics to be donated or recycled responsibly at Compost Central Recycling Center, 140 Valleydale Rd in Charlotte.

Small electrical devices such as cell phones, electric toothbrushes, power tools, toys, and small appliances often get stuffed in junk drawers or tossed in trash or recycling carts. Unfortunately, electronics in the traditional waste stream present significant challenges: 1. Rechargeable batteries are highly flammable when damaged. Fires are common during waste collection, transportation, and processing. All electronics with batteries, no matter how small, must be taken to a hazardous waste collection site for proper disposal.

2. Raw materials are wasted if not recycled. In 2019, over 22 million tons of small e-waste were produced worldwide. Despite e-waste containing valuable elements like gold and silver, less than 20% of e-waste is recycled when no longer in use.

Residents may drop off battery-operated or corded electronics at any Mecklenburg County Full Service Drop-Off centers during regular hours. If you are a business needing electronics disposal, please contact SolidWaste@MeckNC.gov for assistance.

For more information on International E-Waste Day, visit www.weee-forum.org/iewd-about

If you have program questions about recycling, waste diversion or anything else related to waste, please visit www.WipeOutWaste.com. To submit a waste disposal and recycling question, email SolidWaste@MeckNC.gov. Jeff Smithberger, Director of Solid Waste, answers the top 7 residential recycling questions at https://tinyurl.com/MeckRecyleRightFAQs.