A new program at The Habitat ReStore in Springfield will allow the public to bring in electronics for recycling.

As a result of a new partnership with Vintage Tech Recyclers, the store at 1514 W. Jefferson St. is offering the service free of charge.

“Hundreds of millions of retired computers, cell phones, televisions and electronics sit idle or are discarded irresponsibly by consumers and businesses every year,” said Sarah Mackey, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. “By recycling electronics at the Habitat ReStore, every part of old cell phones, computers and televisions are recycled responsibly.”

Electronics can be dropped off at Habitat ReStore during store hours – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Electronics accepted include computers, laptops, monitors, LCDs, cell phones, printers, scanners, modems, CD drives, cables, keyboards, mice, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, cameras, game players and joysticks, telephones, pagers, answering machines, typewriters, calculators, adding machines, fax machines, copiers and postage meters.

Items such as monitors and circuit boards contain toxic substances including lead, mercury and chromium. When these heavy metals get dumped into landfills, it poses an environmental risk. Vintage Tech Recyclers, based in Romeoville, also destroys confidential information on computers through software and data removal processes.

Habitat ReStore also accepts donations of new and used building materials including appliances, cabinets, lighting fixtures, plumbing supplies, doors, windows and furniture. The items are then sold to the public at discount prices.

Proceeds from the ReStore support Habitat for Humanity in building decent, affordable housing in Sangamon County.

For more information, visit Vintage Tech’s website at www.vintagetechrecyclers.com or phone the ReStore at (217) 787-7209 or visit www.habitatsangamon.com.

Dave Bakke can be reached at 788-1541.