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Older-Model Electronics Have New Home

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By VALERIE KALFRIN

vkalfrin@tampatrib.com

Published: January 11, 2009

TAMPA - Residents hauling televisions and computer gear clogged traffic on West Spruce Street on Saturday for the chance to ditch those old devices safely.

The city's Solid Waste Department offered its first Electronics-Only Collection Day in advance of the federally mandated switch to all-digital television signals Feb. 17. The department hosts collections of chemicals and electronics twice a year but the approaching deadline warranted special attention, officials said.

They were right: Motorists were bumper-to-bumper between Dale Mabry Highway and Lois Avenue steadily from about 8:40 a.m. until well after noon.

Loretta Saunders braved the traffic to drop off five televisions.

"I only waited in line about 20 minutes," she said.

By about 1 p.m., workers had filled four 40-yard trash bins with televisions, in addition to pallets piled with monitors, printers and computer gear, said Tonja Brickhouse, the department's director.

"I have seen TVs that were from the '60s," she said.

Creative Recycling of Tampa contracts with the department to break down these items into components for disposal.

Another electronics and chemical collection day is scheduled for April 25.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

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