E-Cycle Washington enjoys healthy returns in 2009

MORE precisely, a year-old recycling law has helped Washington residents get the lead, cadmium and mercury out of the basement, garage and closet. E-Cycle Washington is a huge success.

The state Department of Ecology reports more than 38.5 million pounds of TVs, computers and monitors were recycled free of charge in 2009. Last January, Washington became the first state in the nation to collect unwanted electronics for recycling. Understandably, the idea has mushroomed across the country.

A round of applause for the manufacturers who pay for the program and the nonprofits who make the collection system and recycling work. DOE had hoped the program would collect 26 million pounds in 2009, but that goal was reached by August, agency director Ted Sturdevant said in a department news release.

Certainly, the program is a boon for the environment. A lot of toxic waste is kept out of landfills and there are even calculations about energy and fuel saved in the hauling process.

Public-minded sentiments about a healthy, greener planet help explain the success, but there is a much more homely explanation, which might be summed up as an easy way to get rid of annoying clutter. E-Cycle received 22.3 million pounds of televisions, 12.3 million pounds of monitors and 3.9 million pounds of computers. Imagine the space freed up to store other junk.

The law was broadly written to include households, schools, small businesses and charities, all of whom had e-waste they were grateful to dispose of at 230 sites around the state.

One of the innovations tacked on by the Legislature allowed registered collectors of electronic waste to sell or donate products in working order or glean parts for reuse. The ultimate in practical, affordable recycling — extending the useful life of salvageable material and equipment. The e-savings pick up extra velocity.

After the first wave of closets have been emptied, it will be interesting to see if the numbers decline or news of a good thing only spreads. For the nearest collection site, the Department of Ecology invites the public to call 1-800-RECYCLE.