Just Askin’ | Why Are Spaces in Tech Recycling Programs Limited?

Why do recycling programs limit the number of electronic devices individuals can recycle?

Nichole Millage, environmental sustainability specialist for Champaign Public Works, says that, at least in Illinois, that’s the legal limit.

The Consumer Electronics Recycling Act “establishes a statewide system for recycling and/or reusing a set of electronic devices that Illinoisans do not want,” Millage said. “Electronic device manufacturers are required to participate in the management of these devices.”

The upcoming October 12 nationwide household electronics drive, which is open to anyone in Champaign County, limits households to a maximum of four televisions and seven devices.

There are also limits on the number of households that can participate in the program, but Millage says this is due to waiting times.

In the spring, she said, those deadlines became quite long because too many people signed up to donate blood in the time available.

“We now know exactly how many participants we can allow to register,” Millage said.

But spots are going fast; Millage said there were 450 spots available on Wednesday, down to 400 on Thursday.