Out with the Old Electronics

HOW TO GET RID OF THE OLD TV, COMPUTER, STEREO OR MP3 PLAYER

Did you get a new stereo or computer for Christmas? Get a new TV for the upcoming digital broadcasting conversion? How about a new cell phone?

New electronic gadgets are tons of fun, but your can be left with a perennial question: What do I do with the old one?

In California, electronic equipment cannot be thrown out with the regular garage because there's toxic waste built right into their components.

The Solano County Recycle Guide (www.recycle-guide.com) has an excellent list of local organizations that specialize in electronic items. Here's a brief rundown:

• Goodwill (1819 North Texas, Fairfield): Open seven days a week. Accepts TVs, computers, microwaves and other small appliances free. 707-429-2338
• PG&E and JACO Enironmental: Will pay you to come by and take away your old refrigerator or freezer. Call 800-299-7573 for information and to schedule pickup.
  
• Potrero Hills Landfill (Highway 12 east of Suisun City): Open seven days a week, but charges to take items ($25 for each TV or computer monitor; call for other prices). 707-429-9600
• Freon Free (409-D Railroad Ave., Suisun City): Open weekdays, but charges to accept items. Will come and haul away refrigerators and other large appliances. 707-429-9013
  

If you are a Costco member, click here to learn about their free mail-in electronics recycling program.

If your items are still usable, you may want to look into the Freecycle program, which matches useful items with people who can use them. >>Click for more information on reuse options.>>

Dumping unwanted TVs, refrigerators, and other electronics and appliances along roadways, on vacant lots or in waterways is illegal and damages the environment. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Treecycle the Christmas Tree

HERE'S HOW TO GET RID OF THE TANNENBAUM

With the Christmas holiday winding down, it's time to think about removing live cut Christmas trees from your house before it becomes a fire hazard.

In Suisun City, you can get rid of your live cut tree this way:

• Call the Boy Scouts at 707-421-5308 to schedule a whole tree pick up for January 6, 13 or 20. The Scouts ask for a $5 donation for trees under 6 feet tall, and $10 for larger trees or those that are flocked or tinseled.
• Cut your tree to fit inside your green waste toter for regular curbside collection. The toter lid must close. For more information, call Solano Garbage Company at 707-437-8900.

For either method, please remove all ornaments, nails, tinsel, stands and metal spikes from the tree to prevent injury to collection staff or grinding equipment.

Alas, artificial Christmas trees are not recyclable. Please dispose of them in your regular garbage toter.

>>Check out the Treecycling Fact Sheet at Earth911.com>>

Designate a Driver

DON'T DRIVE DRUNK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are a terrific time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate. The Suisun City Police Department urges you to take a simple step to keep yourself and other motorists safe: Designate a driver.

A Designated Driver refrains from drinking alcohol, and is responsible to getting their riders safely to their destination. This is a statewide effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions and fatalities on California's streets and highways.

The California Office of Traffic Safety even offers some great recipes for festive non-alcoholic drinks so designated drivers can celebrate without becoming impaired.

In 2007, 1,616 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in California. Additionally, 203,866 people were arrested for driving under the influence.

If you've had even one drink, don't risk getting behind the wheel. The Suisun City Police, California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will heighten their vigilance for drunk drivers during this holiday period.

If you see a suspected drunk driver, call 911 to alert the Highway Patrol.