Broken appliances

[violet-helix.livejournal.com]

I've done a quick check of the Somerville website and checked the 'garbage' tag, but I can't seem to find the answer to this.

I have a broken microwave and CRT monitor.  How do I get rid of them?  I've been holding on to them for almost a month and I need to reclaim the floor space!

Comments

[ron_newman]

The Environmental Service Guide that I have from last year says you should call 311 to schedule a pickup for the CRT. The microwave I think you can just throw in the trash.

[violet-helix.livejournal.com]

Thanks Ron.

Of course I didn't think to ask this question before I left for work on trash day. *sigh*

[ifotismeni]

out of curiosity, because i can't find this info anywhere, can i just trash old computer parts as well? i have *two* old computer power supply units that i've been holding on to but i need to get rid of... i can't find out if these need to be disposed of in some special way @_@

[ron_newman]

Good question -- please call 311 and ask (and then report back here).

[laryu.livejournal.com]

I would imagine a power supply can be trashed without consequence. On the other hand, depending on how old the PS are and how much effort you want to put in, you could contact YouthBuild Boston or Tecschange to find whether they could use the donation. I know both have taken computer parts for their hardware repair training programs in the past, though I haven't donated to either recently. I have a vague memory that the strange computer repair place (Angeltronics) next to Au Bon Pain might be looking for parts as well.

[ifotismeni]

oh cool! i would rather these parts go to training than just dumped -- the parts still work, the fans are just irreparably noisy, so i feel bad throwing them out when they are otherwise functional. thanks for the tip!

[ron_newman]

Power supplies have fans? Are these something other than the big transformer-like things that plug into a power outlet?

[ifotismeni]

the power supply unit in computer towers has a heatsink with a cooling fan:

[ron_newman]

Ahhh. Didn't realize that (or didn't recognize that's what it was when I saw one)

[ifotismeni]

yep yep. i have two of these hanging around my room right now. makes for excellent geek decorations but i'd rather someone get some use out of them now that i'm moving and clearing out my extra things.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

If the power supplies work, post them on http://boston.craigslist.org/zip

[ron_newman]

Special Waste Disposal, from the city (DPW) website. The city picks up TVs and CRTs free of charge on trash day, but you need to request this either by calling 311 or filling out this form.

I don't think microwave ovens are considered "white goods" that require the special $20 permit, but ask the 311 folks to be sure.

I Did and They Don't

[violet-helix.livejournal.com]

That is to say, I did call 311 and microwaves don't require a permit.

[seaweedgirle.livejournal.com]

I believe Office Depot takes CRTs through its recycling box program. (You have to pay for the box.)

[ron_newman]

But there isn't one of those anywhere near Somerville. (They were going to merge with Staples years ago, but the fed nixed that on anti-trust grounds.)

[seaweedgirle.livejournal.com]

The closest one I know is in Woburn ... that's where we went last weekend with our box o' goodies. Well worth the trip to know that it all will be safely recycled.

Well worth the trip...

[aki.livejournal.com]

...if you have a car.

Re: Well worth the trip...

[ron_newman]

If you don't, try Staples (see below)

[ron_newman]

Staples has a recycling program, too:

Staples makes it easy for customers to recycle e–waste by simply bringing their used computers, monitors, laptops, and desktop printers, faxes and all–in–ones to any U.S. Staples store.

All brands are accepted, regardless of whether or not the equipment was purchased at Staples. A recycling fee of $10 per piece of large equipment is charged to cover handling, transport, product disassembly and recycling. Smaller computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and speakers are accepted at no charge.

For carless folks, the easiest Staples to reach from here is on JFK Street in Harvard Square.