SALT LAKE COUNTY (ABC 4 News) - Our landfills are filling up with Mercury and Lead from old electronics and the problem is growing.
Recycling Coordinator at the Salt Lake County landfill Ashlee Yoder says the problem is noticeable, "Electronic waste has been increasing every year." ABC 4's Noah Bond said, "Really?" Yoder replied, "By large amounts."
It's perfectly legal to throw away electronics in Utah even though they have toxic chemicals inside. In fact, the landfill is the only way to get rid of electronics in some places like Washington County.
Mercury is one of the biggest problems. It only takes months for it to seep from computer and television screens into this landfill and eventually the ground. When it enters a human body it can damage the central nervous system, the kidneys, and can cause severe brain damage.
The base of Salt Lake County's landfill is lined with thick plastic, but nothing can guarantee pollutants from entering the ground water.
The Health Department and Mayor in Salt Lake County are trying to solve this problem with a free recycling center at the landfill. Anyone who lives in the county can drive up and throw away old electronics.
The Salt Lake County Health Department and County Mayor are going to talk about recycling electronics at a hazardous waste collection event at Sugar House Park (Sego Lily Pavilion) July 22 from 8:30 a.m. To 9:00 a.m. They say e-waste is the fastest growing and most expensive household hazardous waste.
Several free local recycling dates and times are scheduled this summer. For a complete list go to the home page on this website and click on the orange box.
