The Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services gave Bethesda residents a chance to drop off their old electronics at the Walt Whitman High School parking lot Sunday. Despite the rain and the chill, residents steadily rolled in and added to a growing pile of computer monitors, television sets, VCRs and other old electronics outside the school.  By the end of the day, 641 cars had pulled in – a big jump from the 408 that came during last year's December collection.

"It's a tremendous turnout," said Alan Pultyniewicz, Recycling Coordinator for the the Division of Solid Waste Services, who was at the school to supervise, direct cars to their drop-off location, and keep the line moving. "Cars were here 30 minutes before we opened." 

Why the big jump in participation this year?  "Last December it was colder and rainier," said Pultyniewicz. "But there may be more awareness that the county has an electronics recycling program and that we erase data from the electronics brought in.  Also, this year some large retailers are also taking in old electronic items so people may be thinking about this more."

As the electronics piled up, a large green truck from Creative Recycling pulled in and parked in front of the largest pile of monitors and televisions.  Cars continued to wind around the parking lot, while student volunteers from Walt Whitman's Green Team – organized by Bethesda Green - handed out information about recycling in Montgomery County and answered questions about the drop off. 

Bethesda Green, which had publicized the event on their web site, also had a stand with information, and coffee and cookies for the volunteers.  "We're seeing a pretty good flow of traffic here," said Dave Heffernan of Bethesda Green.  "Dave Feldman, our executive director, is on his way over with some old equipment we've collected at our office."

Why is it important to recycle your old electronics?  They do tend to pile up, especially with ever-shortening cycles for emerging technologies and the recent switchover to digital television.  But old electronics can be useful if handled properly.  Creative Recycling, selected by Montgomery County for their electronics recycling program, is an industry leader in electronics recycling and reuse.  With a goal of zero waste, less than one percent  of the electronics they recycle enter the waste stream. The company strips old electronics of any valuable material, such as copper, and separate materials for either re-use or recycling.  Procedures comply with environmental laws as well as laws regarding data security, extremely important for many area residents for personal and professional security.

For full information on the company's programs, check out Creative Recycling's website. Montgomery County holds drop offs in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area several times a year.  Each drop off is organized for residents to easily pull in, drop off their used electronics, and quickly move along.  To learn about the next local drop off, check the events calendar on the Division of Solid Waste Services website.

Where can you bring your old electronics when a drop off isn't scheduled in your area?  Montgomery County's transfer station at 16101 Frederick Road in Derwood has expanded their schedule.  "The station is open seven days a week.  We've expanded the opportunities for residents to drop off their old electronics," said Alan Pultyniewicz. 

As you see old electronics in your home or office, set them aside for the next drop-off in your area or a trip to Frederick Road in Derwood.  You'll free up space for yourself and help turn old electronics into something more useful for the future via the program that Montgomery County has put together.