America Recycles Day
updated: Nov 09, 2012, 12:03 PM

Source: County Public Works

In celebration of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, the Santa Barbara County Public Works Department encourages residents to bring old, unwanted electronics to one of the County's free and convenient drop-off sites. Items such as TVs, computers, DVD players, stereos, cell phones, and microwaves can be recycled at no charge at both the South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station and the Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station.

The transfer stations provide this free service year round. The South Coast Recycling and Transfer Station is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The facility is located at 4430 Calle Real in Santa Barbara between the El Sueño and Turnpike exits off Highway 101.

The Santa Ynez Valley Recycling and Transfer Station is located at 4004 Foxen Canyon Road in Los Olivos. The facility is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

So far this year, the County has collected over 600,000 pounds of electronics to be recycled. All collected materials are processed domestically by a certified recycler to ensure the safe and appropriate handling of the electronics.

Unlike some recycling operations in countries abroad, recyclers in the United States must adhere to strict regulations that protect workers' health and the environment. Because old electronics contain potentially hazardous materials - such as lead and mercury - it is important that they be processed safely.

In addition to the County's program, some local cities and private companies operate their own electronic waste collection programs. Details about all of these programs can be found on the County's recycling website at www.lessismore.org/ewaste.

America Recycles Day, sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, is an annual event that strives to increase awareness about recycling. More information can be found on the event website at www.americarecyclesday.org.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 341076	2012-11-09 02:09 PM
Can we recycle old Xmas light strings and batteries?
COMMENT 341196P	2012-11-10 02:44 AM
076: Yes. If by batteries, you don't mean car batteries. What the public should be told is that FIVE DAYS A WEEK you can recycle all sorts of electronic devices (small appliances, office equipment, video players, etc) and flashlight-sized batteries at the Marborg Recycling & Buy-Back Center. 963-1852 Address online reads 725 Cacique St., but I always find it by way of Nopalitos St. A bit tricky, if you've never been there. I'd call and get directions rather than trust GPS/Navigation systems.
COMMENT 341197P	2012-11-10 02:47 AM
Addendum: When you call Marborg, ask about car batteries. I'm not so sure they don't recycle those as well. List says "batteries," but that could mean all types.

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