North Hempstead, NY – Since January 1, 2015, New York State law has not allowed electronics (E-waste) to be picked up with other curbside recyclables. Now, North Hempstead residents throwing out any E-waste will see a friendly reminder in the form of a sticker placed there by the pick-up crews, with instructions on how to properly dispose of E-waste.

“The procedure for the recycling of E-waste has changed and we are placing these stickers on any electronic items left curbside to inform residents how to properly dispose of their E-waste,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “Since it is not the kind of recyclable material that people throw out on a regular weekly basis, they may not be aware of how the law has changed. The stickers give residents detailed info on where to go to dispose of their E-waste.”

The approximately 3 by 4-inch sticker states: “Reminder: Per New York State Law Electronics are No Longer Picked up Curbside. North Hempstead Recycles E-waste. Residents May Dispose of their E-Waste at: a S.T.O.P. event; Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 999 West Shore Road in Roslyn; Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 802 West Shore Road in Port Washington; or at participating electronics retailers.”

“The State-wide ban diverts electronic waste from landfills and incinerators, thereby preventing the hazardous chemicals found in electronic devices from releasing toxins into our groundwater, soil, and air,” said Erin Reilley, Director for the Town’s Office of Sustainability. “The materials are recycled, allowing for expensive metals be reclaimed and re-used. The Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that the law has already prevented more than 200 million pounds of e-waste from entering landfills.”

“I believe that the stickers will reduce any frustration that a resident might experience when they discover that their electronics were not picked up by the recycling truck,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “Now they will know why it wasn’t picked up and will be informed as to how they can dispose of it properly.”

Supervisor Bosworth places one of the new stickers on an old computer. Also pictured, Chief Sustainability Officer Erin Reilley (left) and Solid Waste Management Authority Executive Director Igor Sikiric (right).