What can be a little more challenging to figure out is where to recycle items such as electronics (computers, TVs, stereos), rechargeable batteries, old gas canisters and bulky items like mattresses, box springs and grills.
In honor of Maine Recycles Week (www.mainerecycles.com), which runs until Nov. 15, here are some resources to help you.
CFL bulbs, thermostats & batteries
Compact fluorescent bulbs, older thermostats, thermometers and rechargeable batteries all contain small amounts of mercury, a heavy metal that is linked to numerous health issues and can leach into our food chain if not properly disposed. Most retailers that sell CFL bulbs now offer free recycling. For more info, check out www.mainedep.com and click on the CFL information link.
Rechargeable batteries and cell phones can also be brought back to retailers that sell them. For a list of local retailers that accept them, check out www.rbrc.org/call2recycle.
Other mercury products (fluorescent lamps, fever thermometers, rechargeable batteries, etc.) are accepted at local solid waste facilities including Portland’s Riverside Recycling Center and the Environmental Depot in Lewiston. You can also receive a $5 coupon by mail when you recycle your old thermostat at participating stores. Find out more at: www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/mercury/hgthermo.htm.
Electronics, TV’s & computers
Many towns in Maine offer collection sites for recycling TVs, monitors and other electronics. Others offer household hazardous waste collection days once or twice a year. For more info, check out www.maine.gov/spo/recycle/municipalities/electronics.htm.
Office Depot in South Portland accepts a variety of electronics for recycling. Depending on the size of the items, they charge a fee of $5-$15. Staples also accepts electronics for a flat fee of $10.
Couches, grills & box springs
If they’re still in usable (or repairable) condition, consider posting them on Freecycle or Craigslist. Freecycle.com is a free website that helps people give away and obtain items for free that would otherwise go into the waste stream. Craigslist is another website that offers a “Free” section. Also, several non-profits collect furniture donations for families in need. Among them are: Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services (871-7437), Greater Portland Charitable Furniture Center (221-8168) and the 7th Day Adventist Community Services in Brunswick (725-7015).
Everything & the kitchen sink
For a list of recycling facilities by town (including a list of the items each accepts), check out www.MaineDEP.com. Earth911 (www.earth911.com) also offers an easy searchable database for all items. Type in your zip and the item you wish to recycle and you’ll get a list of locations that accept it.
Heather Chandler is the publisher of the SunriseGuide, a locally-published resource guide and coupon book about healthy & eco-friendly living in Southern Maine. Online at www.thesunriseguide.com.