Paramus will host two County recycling drop-off events this year

Paramus will host two of the county's four electronics, automobile tires, and document shredding recycling events this year.

The recycling collections, sponsored by theBergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA), are the result of a new state law prohibiting residents from discarding "e-waste" materials, like old televisions, computers and computer monitors.

Two recycling events are being held  at the Bergen County Community Services Building on East Ridgewood Avenue. Residents can drop off recyclable materials there on April 3 or April 20.

The  will be open for drop-off and shredding on June 25 and Nov. 5. The events are free of charge to all Bergen County residents.

According to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin, the new Electronic Waste Management Act means that people can no longer place these items out for curbside pick-up.

In addition to the county-provided drop-off events, certain electronics stores, like Best Buy, Goodwill Industries, and the Salvation Army will also collect used desktops, laptops and TVs.

"Over the next several months, the Electronic Waste Management Act will help us fill in gaps to ensure that all covered waste is recycled and that everyone has convenient options. Equally important, this law raises public awareness about the importance of recycling these materials," said Martin.

E-Waste makes up about two percent of all discarded material in New Jersey, a rate that is rising rapidly due to the growing popularity of technological items, according to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

According to the DEP, about 50 million pounds of e-waste will not be sent to solid waste facilities in 2011 as a result of the new law, which contains provisions to ensure that the collected materials will be recycled according to state and federal standards.

The Electronic Waste Management act does not include other electronic devices, like cell phones, video game consoles, VCRs or DVD players.

Residents with questions about the new law or Bergen County drop-off procedures can contact theEnvironmental Programs Hotline at 201-807-5825.