Stearns County’s New E-Waste Program Sees Big Success, Nearly 18,000 Pounds Collected in First Weeks

(KNSI) – Stearns County residents have embraced the new permanent electronics recycling program at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Waite Park.

According to county officials, since launching on January 5th, the facility has collected 17,836 pounds of e-waste, demonstrating strong demand for the convenient recycling option. The program allows county residents to drop off their unwanted electronics during regular business hours without waiting for special collection events.

The facility accepts electronics Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. using a drive-thru system. Residents can recycle a wide variety of items including televisions, computers, phones, printers, headphones, stereos, gaming systems, keyboards, DVD players, and cords.
Most electronics can be dropped off free of charge, though items with screens, including smartphones, televisions, computer monitors, laptops, tablets, smart mirrors, and smartboards, carry a $10 fee per device. The facility accepts card payments only for screen fees.

While the facility accepts a broad range of electronic devices and accessories, it does not accept kitchen appliances, personal hygiene electronics, yard and garden tools, automotive products, vacuums, fans, lamps, or other general household items.

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility serves all of Stearns County.

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