Now that Christmas has ended, some presents might replace old items, like phones or televisions, and although there are no electronic recycling facilities for these items in the county, there are safe ways to recycle them.
Office Depot in Slidell recycles many electronics, including small televisions, cellphones, cords and cables, an Office Depot spokeswoman said. To do this, simply walk into the store and ask for a tech recycling box, which comes in three sizes: a small, 8-by-15-by-18 inch box; medium, 20-by-16-by-16 inch box; and large, 24-by-18-by-18 inch box, ranging from $5 to $15 per box. However, Office Depot will not accept cracked monitors and all appliances, the Office Depot website states.
White waste, which includes old appliances, can be brought to the Waste Management facility in Millard for recycling.
Target of Slidell recycles small electronics, such as cellphones or MP3 players, a Target spokeswoman said. Target has a recycling section and bin that people can bring their electronics to be recycled free of charge.
To recycle medium to large televisions, people can take them to Lamp Recyclers of Louisiana, Inc. in Hammond, where all electronics, lamps, fluorescent bulbs and more are accepted free of charge.
However, if recycling is not an option, Eric Morris, Picayune public works director, said all debris should be placed at most 10 feet from the curb, but not directly on the curb.
In order to expedite the curbside debris removal process, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has a few rules.
A MEMA press release states that debris should be sorted at the curbside in six separate categories, including large appliances, hazardous waste, vegetative debris, construction debris, electronics and household garbage. Placing any type of debris near or on trees, poles, fire hydrants or meters at the curbside can make removal difficult. Also, leaving large appliance doors unsealed or unsecured can be a hazard for pedestrians as well as drivers.
If residents have questions or concerns relating to debris clean up, contact the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Solid Waste at (601) 961-5171.