Registration Open For Champaign County Electronics Recycling Event

It’s illegal in Illinois to toss certain electronic items to the curb with the trash. But the recycle program next month will allow Champaign County residents to drop off unwanted electronic items to be recycled for free.

“We will accept up to ten electronic devices... however we do have a limit of only two TVs per household,” said Courtney Kwong, recycling coordinator for the City of Urbana. 

Beginning Monday, residents can register to drop off their unwanted radios, computers, cords and other electronics Oct.13 at Parkland College in Champaign. Volunteers will be available to help unload items from vehicles. 

Kwong said that offering these electronic recycling options is important, since many older televisions and cellphones contain heavy metals that can pose health risks to people and the environment if they're thrown out.

"We didn't want those ending up in the landfill," Kwong said. "If that gets into the ground, or into the groundwater that could pose a problem. And so we've always felt it's important to have options to recyle these electronic devices." 

Residents of Champaign-Urbana and several sorrounding towns in Champaign County can register here for a time to drop off their items. Time slots will be available in 15 minute increments from 8 a.m. until noon. To register for the electronic recyling day by phone, call the Chamapaign Public Works at (217) 403-4700, or Urbana Public Works at (217) 384-2342.