Jeff Palmer, we like how you think. The Schaumburg resident wrote to us to share his win-win plan that would not only make it easy for folks to dispose of electronic waste (computers, televisions, etc.) in an Earth-friendly manner, but also reward them for their actions.
Another reader, this one from Sycamore, wrote asking about where one can obtain a rain barrel to make the most efficient use of rainwater and to conserve on treated water supplies.
But, first, here’s Palmer’s plan.
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Yes, I agree that e-waste is everywhere.
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I have a nightmare that I’ll end up walking the highways picking up discarded cell phones like some pick up soda cans today.
But I digress, may I ask for your opinion on an e-waste recycle scheme?
Pretend that there is a recycling center for e-waste (like Fed Ex has a central hub).
Pretend that you have a monitor, printer and computer to get rid of.
Pretend that you could take this stuff to your local Fed Ex or UPS store and drop it off for a modest cost per pound.
Would you take the e-stuff to the store and pay let’s say $12 to get rid of it? So you have to invest time to gather it up at home, you have to lug it to the car and take it to the store, wait in line, and pay $12 — is it worth it?
Now pretend that the e-waste center is a non-profit.
Your $12 is now tax-deductible and you have the paper backup for the IRS — is it worth it now?
Now pretend that the store can give you a receipt stating that the monitor is worth $5, the printer $3 and the computer $10.
Your $12 + $5 + $3 + $10 = $30 is now tax-deductible and you have the backup paper for the IRS — is it worth it now?
— Jeff Palmer (a.k.a. cynical alchemist), Schaumburg H&G says: Staples office supply stores must have read your mind, Jeff. They recently launched a nationwide computer and office technology recycling program. Their stores will accept all brands of used computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and combination printers/scanners/faxes — regardless from where they were purchased — and will recycle them following environmental laws.
If dropping off large items, there is a $10 fee, but smaller items such as keyboards and mice are recycled at no charge.
To find the Staples store nearest you, see staples.com.
One non-profit organization, National Cristina Foundation, serves as a nationwide clearinghouse for computer reuse and partners with a network of local non-profit groups. It was founded to give people with disabilities or economic disadvantages access to high-quality computing tools. To donate, simply fill out their online form, and they will find the best match for your computer with a Chicago-based organization. Call 203-863-9100.
Chicagoans can drop off household hazardous waste for recycling and safe disposal from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23 in parking lot D of the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Products that can be disposed of include old paint cans, insecticides, batteries, fluorescent and other light bulbs, chemicals, electronics, TVs, computers, phones, small appliances, oil-based paints, cleaners, solvents and unused medications. For more information, call 311.
And for more suggestions, check out the city of Chicago’s Web site, http://www.chicagorecycling.org (click on “Recycle Your Stuff A-Z), for other alternatives for e-waste recycling.
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I am interested in getting a rain barrel to save rain water for my plants inside and out. Where would I go to get one?
— Hazel Retherford, Sycamore
H&G says: Rain barrels collect the rainwater that falls on roofs for use in gardens. This avoids wasting water and keeps rain out of sewers, so it doesn’t add to the volume of polluted water than has to be treated in sewage plants.
The barrels are available from some garden centers. They also can be ordered from many mail-order sources such as Gardener’s Supply Co. ( www.gardeners.com ), http:// composters.com, and Clean Air Gardening ( www.cleanairgardening.com ). Many Internet sites offer instructions for making rain barrels; try www.cityofchicago.org/environment and click on “Learn about rain barrels” under “I want to.”
Also, for a limited time, until the supply runs out, Chicago residents — but, sorry, not suburbanites — may buy inexpensive rain barrels from the city. For locations and hours, call 312-743-WATER (312-743-9283).
Marjorie David also contributed to this report.
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ematsushita@ tribune.com, ebotts@ tribune.com