By EDWARD HUSAR
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
Area residents will be able to dispose of electronic items of all shapes and sizes at a drive-through electronics recycling drop-off program Friday and Saturday in Quincy.
"If it has a cord on it, we will take it -- whether it's an electric razor, a chest-type freezer, a treadmill or a sump pump," said Leonard Schnellbecker, solid waste coordinator for the Adams County Health Department, one of the program's sponsors.
The recycling program is from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Adams County Highway Department, 101 N. 54th.
Participants bringing items are asked to drive east from the intersection of 48th and Maine and line up on the south side of Maine before entering the Highway Department complex and exiting onto 54th Street.
Several weeks ago, the Quincy City Council agreed to close Maine Street from 52nd to 54th during the recycling collection so motorists dropping off items wouldn't have to cross several lanes of traffic.
Schnellbecker said participants lining up on Maine should simply follow the signs.
"We're going to do the best we can to get people through, but it's going to be busy, it sounds like," he said.
Businesses or people with lots of items can make reservations for a special drop-off Friday morning by calling 222-8440.
"We've got a lot of businesses already" signed up, Schnellbecker said.
Though any type of electronic item can be dropped off, some will require a fee and some will be free.
Items requiring a $5 fee include refrigerators, freezers, microwave ovens, washers, dryers, ovens and any TVs with screens measuring up to 27 inches. The fee is $15 for TVs with screens greater than 27 inches.
Items that will be accepted for free include computer monitors, central processing units and peripherals, printers, copying machines, VCRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, small appliances with electrical cords, and household and automotive batteries.
Schnellbecker said the goal of the program is to reduce the dumping of electronic equipment in landfills.
Major sponsors of the drop-off are the Health Department, Quincy University, John Wood Community College and Adams Networks. Those agencies are working with Recycle for Illinois, an e-waste recycling organization that turns easily repaired items over to a sister company for distribution to low-income families, persons with disabilities and students at affordable prices.
More information is available by calling Schnellbecker at 257-2177.
-- ehusar@whig.com/221-3378
