Dispose of that old VCR, pager

When: 8:30 am to 5 pm

Where: Tri-CED, 33377 Western Ave, Union City

Cost: Free

Info: 510-429-8030

By Barry Shatzman

UNION CITY — If you've been wondering what to do with that old computer monitor or stereo that's collecting dust and cobwebs in your garage — wonder no more.

From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, anyone can bring unwanted electronic equipment to the Tri-CED recycling center, which will take it off your hands for free.

Saturday's event comes as a result of the state's electronic recycling law that went into effect earlier this year. The law requires that anyone buying a computer in California be charged an advance recycling fee. In exchange, any old equipment can be dropped off at a state-approved facility.

With more and more electronics being replaced through the years, the law addresses the growing problem of what to do with the old equipment. It is illegal to dispose of the equipment in landfills because parts of it are dangerous to the environment.

Only certain items can be brought to Tri-CED for recycling. They include computers and computer equipment, phones, pagers, stereos, videocassette recorders, CD and DVD players and any video equipment, including televisions, witha screen more than 4 inches wide.

Initially, the equipment will be sent to a company in Los Angeles, which will refurbish whatever it can and dismantle the rest to be recycled.

But Tri-CED plans to take control of that part by the end of the year, CEO Richard Valle said.

In addition to helping to safely dispose of the equipment, doing the work themselves will allow Tri-CED to hire 20 workers out of the juvenile justice system. All of the jobs will be full-time and will include benefits.

"It gives them an opportunity to get back into the mainstream, join the work force and learn a new skill in a growth industry," Valle said.

Tri-CED will continue accepting equipment Tuesdays through Saturdays. Fremont residents still may bring their old equipment to BFI, 42600 Boyce Road. That program, however, is for Fremont residents only, and it is limited to two visits, with up to four items per visit. Tri-CED will accept an unlimited amount of old equipment, from anyone.

Barry Shatzman covers Union City for The Argus. He can be reached at (510) 353-7003, or bshatzman@angnewspapers.com.