E-Cycle: We got to move these color TVs ...

YAKIMA, Wash. -- In its first month, Washington's new electronics recycling program has collected more than three million pounds of waste -- 20 percent to 30 percent more than expected.

Although pleased with the program's success, regulators of
E-Cycle Washington are asking people to wait a few months to drop off their electronics so collection sites can catch up with demand.

"Response has been good, but there are some capacity issues," said John Friedrick, director of the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority, which oversees the recycling network. "I anticipated there would be a lot more problems, but there haven't been. Overall, I'm very happy with it."

The statewide program launched Jan. 1 and was created from a law passed in 2006. The legislation requires electronics manufacturers -- not taxpayers -- to pay to recycle computers, monitors, laptops and televisions.

Households, school districts, small businesses and governments are not charged for the service.

Products collected under the program are taken to an approved processor in Western Washington, which recycles metals, glass, plastics and other materials that would otherwise be tossed. Strict rules are followed, ensuring hazardous materials stay out of landfills here and abroad.

Items such as cell phones, printers, computer mice, scanners and other electrical appliances are not included in the program. Some sites may charge a fee to accept those items.

Of the 3.3 million pounds of electronics collected so far, Yakima County's portion equals 81,179 pounds. Kittitas County collected 53,330 pounds, while Klickitat County collected 1,522 pounds.

Metropolitan areas in Western Washington have experienced the most activity, Friedrick said. Although collection sites are doing well, he said he's concerned people will soon be dropping off more televisions because of the digital conversion scheduled for June 12.

"I don't want to discourage people from dropping things off. But I don't want them to experience frustration with waiting in line," he said. "Take your time. We'll be here for good."

In Yakima County, Goodwill stores have collected 60,000 pounds, or about 75 percent of the electronic waste, said Willis Nickens, who manages the Selah site. He said public response has been good, and his staff has been able to assume their new responsibilities with ease.

"We were well trained and forewarned this was coming," he said. "What we're seeing now is the hardest hit we'll get. It'll become a regular part of our every-day business."

Friedrick estimates that 20 million pounds of electronics will be recycled this year alone, costing manufactures roughly $10 million to $12 million. More than 200 drop-off sites have been created, about 15 of which are in Yakima, Kittitas and Klickitat counties.

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.

Recycling sites

* For more information on collection sites, hours of operation and rules pertaining to the recycling of televisions and computers, go to https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/recycle/