Politics & Government

Don't Throw Your TV with Recycling, Township Says

New PA law restricts what residents can include in typical trash pick-up.

Springfield asks its residents to help comply with a new state law that restricts electronics in recycling pickup, in the hopes of avoiding penalities.

The Board of Commissioners requested residents to refrain from tossing televisions, computer monitors and printers in with curbside pickup, as Springfield grapples with how to implement a new Pennsylvania law.

Commissioners Vice President Lee Janiczek (3rd Ward) called it a "serious change" in how the township disposes of recyclables. If any specific electrical items make it into a load where Springfield transfers sanitation, the load will be denied, he said.

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"It's extremely important that the residents recognize this new state mandate. And (this act) could cause the township great harm in tax dollars if residents don't adhere to it," he said.

Gov. Ed Rendell signed the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act into law in 2010, requiring citizens and businesses to dispose of electronic waste by taking the items directly to a recycling facility, rather than leaving them curbside.

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The law goes into effect in January 2013 and intends to cutback on mercury, cadmium and other harmful chemicals from being carelessly discarded, the Department of Environmental Protection says.

Commissioner Paul Wechsler (Fourth Ward) said Springfield attempted  to proactively prep for the law and set up drop-off points for residents. Residents, free of charge, can bring computers, TVs, and printers to two township buildings, he said:

  • Public Works Building, 1258 Church Road;
  • Township Building, 50 Powell Road.

Additionally, Springfield citizens can reserve an electronics pick-up at their home every Wednesday by calling the Public Works Department at 610-543-2837.


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