Lower Gwynedd Township EAC to host battery, technology recycling drop off Sept. 14

You know you shouldn’t do it, but they’re dead. What are you supposed to do with used up batteries if you don’t just pitch them in the garbage? And what about that drawer of old technology? The unused, several-generations-old cell phones, the ancient digital camera. What are you supposed to do with these things?

Many may be aware that tossing them in your regular trash, these goods can cause damage to the environment.

According to the University of Texas at Dallas, batteries that are not recycled can cause toxic materials to enter the water sources and cause the environment unnecessary pollution.

“Accidental or improper incineration can release toxic fumes into the air,” added the Hazardous Waste team of the UTD camps. “If improperly discarded, certain batteries can explode and thus cause injury or property damage.

The Lower Gwynedd Township’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is hosting a collection this weekend to provide you with a proper way to recycle such materials. On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., residents are invited to bring them to the Lower Gwynedd Township Administration Building.

According to Pennsylvania law, via Act 108, “all electronic devices must be recycled, and not placed in the regular trash for curbside collection,” said the Lower Gwynedd website. Such materials by law include:

• Desktop and laptop computers
• Tablets
• Monitors
• Peripheral devices
• Television

The EAC hosts such collections for batteries and technology items occur on the second Saturday of odd months, in the event that you miss out on September’s event. The events are for Lower Gwynedd Township residents only.

The township contracts with Republic Services for its residents’ waste hauling throughout the community. According to its website, Republic Services recommends that customers do not throw batteries away at home.

“Tossing batteries into your household recycling or trash harms the environment and can be dangerous,” said the disposal company’s site. “Instead, dispose of batteries at a designated recycling site. Proper battery disposal prevents fires, protects the environment, and keeps our community safe.”

The trash haulers also offer tips, should you be unable to attend local community collections.

“To protect our planet and help keep you safe, use these easy solutions that ensure proper battery disposal:

• Mail Back: Republic Services simplifies battery recycling with our user-friendly mail back kit. Get a prepaid, prelabeled box and send your batteries to Republic Services. This service is also available for electronics with lithium batteries.
• Donate: Many local charities welcome working electronic devices that contain lithium batteries. Nationally recognized initiatives include Cell Phones for Soldiers, offering free airtime to the armed forces, and the 1Million Project, which bridges the internet gap for underprivileged students.
• Drop Off at Local Collection Sites: Many of our centers routinely collect electronic waste, particularly during the spring and fall. For more options, search Earth911 or Call2Recycle to find other drop-off points near you.”

In addition to its battery recycling suggestions, Republic Services also has a hazardous waste collection which is slated, by appointment only, for Saturday, Sept. 21 at Spring-Ford 9^th Grade Center, located at 400 S. Lewis Road in Royersford. To schedule an appointment for the hazardous waste event, please visit http://www.montcoparecycles.org/ or call 610-278-3618.

The township’s administration building is located at 1130 N. Bethlehem Pike in Spring House. The event will be from 9 to 11 a.m., rain or shine, and no appointment is required. For more information on the Lower Gwynedd recycling event, call 215-646-5302.