NEW YORK -- With the holidays fast approaching, many people will be getting new computers, televisions, and other electronic devices as gifts. With that in mind, officials are reminding folks to properly dispose of old electronics by recycling.
They say in 2015 a new law will make it illegal to throw electronic devices in the trash. As for now, they remind you to take advantage of drop-off locations to recycle items like VCRs, cell phones, and keyboards.
"You're getting new items, you're replacing some old ones, and maybe you're not sure what to do with them so it's really important that you recycle them properly. Because, all of these items contain heavy metals. Sometimes there's lead or cadmium, mercury. Things that you really want to keep out of the environment," said Kristen Lawton, OCRRA Public Information Officer.
For more information on where to go to drop off your old devices, head to http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/73670.html.