EGLE recycling grant helps dispose of old electronics
COLDWATER — Modern electronic antiques, the computers from the early 2000s, along with huge projection TVs from before flat screens, are stacked in the Biz Aid Recycling indoor drop-off recycling center at the west end of Darling Drive.
The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities partnered with the private firm using the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy grant funds to bring electronics recycling to the area.
As hazardous waste because of the material used in manufacturing, most electronics, especially computer screens and televisions, can’t be dumped in the garbage.
“We don’t typically take in televisions for recycling and get asked frequently if we do. We were happy to get this grant that allows us to do so,” said Biz Aid owner Samantha Buterbaugh. “Anyone in Branch County can bring in their televisions or any other electronics on Saturdays for an affordable collection fee until the grant funds are spent.”
Households in Branch County can drop off electronics, including televisions and computer monitors, at the recycling center on Saturdays only, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The cost is $5 per visit for most electronics, with an additional $5 charge for each television and monitor, with a limit of three per visit.
The $15,000 grant was half of what Buterbaugh wanted, but more communities around the state applied for funds. “I would expect we could get a couple of semis loads worth out of the community for that price,” she said.
CBPU is acting as the fiduciary for the funds. Branch County contributed $2,000.
For Coldwater and the townships participating in the annual CBPU/Coldwater hazardous waste collection on Saturday, Sept. 30, Buterbaugh will be there to take electronics.
The Darling Drive collection center will also be opened west of old U.S. 27. Big items should be delivered there where the forklift can help move them.
Prior story Branch County woman celebrates 10 years in recycling
The city stopped taking electronics after 2017, when 13,400 pounds were turned in for recycling, costing the city an unanticipated $12,400.
Buterbaugh said using out-of-area commercial hazardous waste firms is less economical than having a local firm handle electronic waste.
Buterbaugh takes most electronic items to Shupan Recycling in Kalamazoo. “Most of this stuff, excluding televisions, like your old printers and your VCRs, are shredded and mechanically separated into certain grades for foundries," she said.
Subscribe Subscribe to the Daily Reporter for important information and stories.
Biz Aid Recycling developed a series of companies to legally and environmentally dispose of or recycle materials. Some pay her, others she pays.
“The state has reviewed my processes and my outlets. They approve of it, so it must be going where it’s supposed to,” Buterbaugh said.
--Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: EGLE recycling grant helps dispose of old electronics
