Technology continually evolves. When you buy a new electronic device (TV, laptop, cell phone, monitor, etc.), what do you do with the old one? Toss it in the trash? No. These may contain hazardous chemicals that may leech into our ground and groundwater if not properly disposed of. In January of 2017, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie revised the Electronic Waste Management Act to make it illegal to throw electronic waste (aka “e-waste”) into the trash. Unfortunately, ACUA will not accept these items at their facilities either. So, what are your e-recycling options at the Jersey Shore?
E-Recycling at the Jersey Shore
First, I suggest you visit the electronics section of the ACUA’s website here. Once on the site, click on the “Residents” section. Several local companies and organizations offer an e-waste drop-off or pick-up service. For example, the Atlantic County 4H Club accepts many electronic items at their Mays Landing location on the third Saturday of the month. Habitat for Humanity’s Restore accepts old TVs as long as they are in good working condition. The Salvation Army and Goodwill accept items for e-recycling at their locations as well. And Apple, Best Buy, and Staples all provide drop-off locations for various e-waste as well. Visit the ACUA’s website to find out more.
AC Electric Smart Meters
We have seen a lot of new construction at the Jersey Shore in the last few years. Fortunately, newer homes include newer, more efficient “smart meters”. But older residences and businesses need this upgrade as well. So, AC Electric announced that they will begin replacing older meters with the newer smart ones beginning later this month (February). They sent out an announcement letting everyone know about this earlier this year. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the installation. During that time, a household may be without power for about 10 minutes. The installation costs nothing out-of-pocket for homeowners or business owners. If you have any questions, please contact AC Electric.
Whatever each of us can do to keep our community safe and clean is always appreciated. Let me know how your experience with dropping off your e-recycling/e-waste at any of the places listed above went. I’d love to hear your feedback and possible tips to make it easier for others looking to do the same. Thank you.
Sherri Lilienfeld, eXp Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate