Hard-to-Recycle Materials

Electronics

E-Scrap Recycling - Mandatory in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Covered Devices Recycling Act of 2010 (CDRA) dictates that all electronic devices defined in the Act be banned from landfill disposal and must be recycled.

Items that must be recycled as defined by CDRA (all televisions and anything directly connected to a computer system):

CPUs / Towers
Laptops
Computer monitors – CRT and LED/LCD
Peripherals (mice, keyboards, speakers)
Printers
Copiers (desktop and stand-alone)
TVs – all types and sizes (console, desktop, rear projection, etc.)

Items not mandated but SHOULD BE RECYCLED:

Answering machinesToner / Ink Cartridges
CamcordersFax / Copy Machines
CamerasGaming Consoles / Controllers
Electronic TypewritersTelephone Systems
RadiosCell Phones / Pagers
VCR / DVD PlayersDocking Stations
Medical EquipmentRemote Controls
Rechargable BatteriesMicrowaves
Stereos / Tape / CD Players

Testing Equipment

Helpful information/websites/businesses for guidance and recycling locations:

Allegheny County Recycling Resource DirectoryStaples
Call2RecycleLowes
Earth911Best Buy
Pennsylvania Resource CenterGoodwill (computers only)
TC Recycling, LLCEvolution E-Cycling

Notice: Before taking any electronics to collection points or drop-off locations, residents should first contact the business location to verify items accepted.

TVs

Drop-off locations are offered by eLoop, 2010 Borland Farms Road (Export), (724) 519-7646, and Evolution Recycling, 2235 Mary Street, (South Side), (412) 390-3450. Call in advance for hours and fees. It is recommended to visit PRC for upcoming hard-to-recycle events.

Another alternative is calling 1-800-GOT-JUNK? They provide removal services, for a fee, for items such as TVs, appliances, carpeting, etc. Visit their website or call 1 (800) 468-5865.

Paint

  • To dispose of latex paint, solidify and place in your trash…
  • latex paint can be solidified by mixing in an equal amount of absorbent material (such as cat litter, sawdust, plaster of Paris or oil dry) and allowed to dry
  • pour thin layers (about 1″) into a cardboard box lined with plastic; allow paint to dry one layer at a time until all paint has hardened
  • for faster results, use “Waste Paint Hardener” available at hardware stores
DO NOT
  • pour the paint on the ground or down storm drains where it will pollute the surface and/or groundwater
  • pour it down the drain or throw liquid paint into weekly trash

Batteries

Household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V) can be thrown into the garbage. All rechargeable batteries (as well as button batteries) must be recycled. You can recycle rechargeable batteries at most electronic stores (ie. Staples, Best Buy, Lowes). Recycling of Compact Florescent (CFL) bulbs can be done locally at Lowes. Please check locations previously noted for recycling information and locations throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Scrap Metal & Cardboard

The Borough provides a separate recycle bin for metals and cardboard located next to the rubbish bins behind the Borough building. All cardboard must be flattened to fit in the slot provided. The rubbish bins are open Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM, closed on holidays. The rubbish bins are provided for Borough residents only.

Medical Supplies - Proper Disposal

Serious injury and illness can be prevented by following simple steps for disposing of sharp objects and contaminated material while administering health care in your home. Needles, syringes, lancets and other sharp objects should be placed in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on or tightly secured lid. Many containers found in the household will do or specifically-designed containers can be purchased for the safe and proper disposal of medical waste “sharps”. Before discarding the container, verify that the lid is tight. Do not put sharp objects in any container you plan to recycle.

Improper management of discarded needles and other sharps can pose a health risk to the public and waste removal workers. For example, discarded needles may expose waste removal workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection when containers break open inside garbage cans/trucks or needles are mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. Used needles can transmit serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

There have been a few recent occasions when personnel for the waste hauler were almost pricked by loose sharps. The hauler will not collect trash if loose sharps are found. The Borough and the hauler appreciate your cooperation in this very serious matter.

Mattress Donation

Donate your old mattress. Visit the Tuck website for participating organizations as well as other disposal information.