By Ilene Moyher
Orange Recycling Committee
Ilene Moyher
Residents of Orange now have more opportunities to safely, conveniently and responsibly dispose of common household items.
Thanks to a new partnership with Take 2 Recycling, residents may now recycle a broader range of electronics along with household batteries and light bulbs – all at the Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center.
Recycling, rather than throwing items away, helps protect the environment by keeping toxic materials out of landfills, thus reducing pollution in our soil, water and air.
This free service is for residential use and is not intended for businesses. The partnership provides a financial benefit to the town: Orange is paid by the ton for collected materials, helping offset waste removal costs.
The all-volunteer Orange Recycling Committee led the effort to partner with Take 2 Recycling; an agreement was then approved by the Board of Selectmen and finalized by the first selectman.
E-waste/electronics recycling is available at the transfer center and at the twice-yearly paper shredding events held at High Plains Community Center. Residents can recycle a wide array of items, including cell phones, computers, televisions, routers, tablets, wires, VCRs, and DVD players. See a full list at take2recycling.com.
Electronics contain hazardous components such as lead and mercury, so they’re strictly prohibited from going in the hopper or trash bins. Recycling also allows valuable materials like metals and plastics to be recovered and reused, reducing the need for new mining and conserving natural resources.
Security and environmental responsibility are central to the recycling process. Data devices are securely destroyed, and facilities are monitored to keep materials safe.
Residents may now recycle a wide range of household batteries, including alkaline, rechargeable, lithium (including button or coin cell), nickel-cadmium, zinc carbon and lead-acid batteries. There are no limits on typical household quantities.
Put loose batteries in the proper container at the transfer station, located at the electronics recycling trailer. Residents are strongly encouraged to tape battery terminals or place batteries in individual plastic bags prior to drop-off. This simple step helps prevent fires, which can occur when batteries touch, particularly with small button cell batteries.
Residents can now recycle most common household light bulbs – including LED, CFL, fluorescent tubes (up to four feet), incandescent and halogen bulbs. Bulbs should be placed in the designated bins at the transfer station in the electronics recycling trailer.
This program is also designed for household use, so unusually large quantities may be rejected if they appear to come from commercial sources.
By taking advantage of these expanded recycling options, Orange residents can play an active role in protecting the environment, safeguarding personal data and reducing municipal waste costs. Proper disposal of these everyday items makes a meaningful difference for both the community and the planet.
Ilene Moyher is a member of the Orange Recycling Committee.