SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has opened four new recycling drop-off sites for electronic waste during the current year. This brings the total number of such locations in the region to a dozen. Out of these, eight are being partially funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) grants. The remaining four are Goodwill retail outlets.

The expansion of drop-off sites is in response to increased awareness among residents on the harmful consequences of improper disposal of electronic waste. One of the four collection sites is in Sands Township in the Marquette area, while another one is at Sault Ste. Marie. The remaining two sites are in Alger County (Munising).

The collection sites will accept a wide range of electronic items including computers, printers, cell phones, keyboards and cables. In partnership with certified electronics recyclers, EGLE ensures that all the collected electronic products are reused or responsibly recycled, thus protecting the environment.

According to Steve Noble, EGLE’s electronics recycling coordinator, it is in talks with the Potawatomi Indian Community in Hannahville to establish a permanent collection site. It also plans to set up additional sites in the Iron Mountain area, he added.