These products do not belong in our waste stream. Please recycle responsibly (click on photo to enlarge).In 2008, Suzanne chaired a legislative commission to consider how the state should deal with electronic waste (e-waste), and how it affects our environment. With the proliferation of electronic products (computers and cell phones, for example), the study committee decided to expand the list of electronic products that would be prohibited in our landfills. Toxic materials are often used in the production of these products, so having them disposed of in our landfills is not the best solution.
In 2009 Suzanne co-sponsored, with a group of other concerned legislators, a successful amendment to the statutes that defines electronic waste and prohibits dumping them in our landfills. The list inclues computer monitors containing a cathode ray tube, laptop computers, liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitors, plasma and LCD televisions, printers, cell phones, copiers, fax machines, and video display media recorder/players. Local landfills in New Hampshire should have standards for collecting these products for recycling so they are not thrown in the waste stream.
When you're ready to purchase a new electronic product, you should be familiar with the statute (click here) and check with your local landfill to find out how to dispose of your unwanted item. What's accepted and not accepted at Nashua's Four Hills Landfill and recycling center is listed here. Electronics, although accepted, are not to be thrown in with garbage; there is a special area to drop these off. You must have a permit, which you can purchase onsite, and there is no cost to recycle your first two items.