July 9, 2008
Don't trash those old TVs
As we prepare to switch from analog to digital TV, thinking about television set disposal may seem like a bad rerun. Fortunately, the Johnson County Environmental Department has stepped up to the challenge and is accepting TVs and other electronics at the Household Hazardous Materials Collection site in Mission.
Johnson County residents can drop off computers, monitors, printers, keyboards, scanners, VCRs, cell phones, stereos, and more on the second Saturday of the month until October: July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, and Oct. 11.
The cities of Overland Park, Prairie Village and Mission Hills also are co-sponsoring a one day electronics collection event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the parking lot of Shawnee Mission East High School, 75th Street and Mission Road.
Recycling TVs recovers valuable materials from the circuit boards, metal rings, leaded glass and plastics. Additionally, e-waste volumes in the country are significant and should be diverted from the landfill whenever possible.
There will be a nominal charge for monitors and TV's and materials are accepted only by appointment. For more information on digital TV transformation go to www.epa.gov, or to make an appointment to recycle your set, call 913/715-6900.
Tree Keepers class: Volunteers training for a healthy community forest
As Overland Park continues to "Plant A Tree, Cool the City," City Forester Sarah Patterson is encouraging residents to learn about the proper management and care of trees to maintain a healthy urban forest right here, at home.
Heartland Tree Alliance is offering a class through Johnson County Community College to teach residents about tree care. The class will cover everything from tree identification and species selection to urban soils, planting, pruning, placing and diagnosing tree problems.
"Trees are critical to the Overland Park landscape and keeping them healthy is important. The majority of trees within our urban forest are found on private property," Patterson said. "This class is a great opportunity to learn skills for your own home and gain the knowledge to educate others."
There will be six evening sessions and two Saturday field sessions for hands-on learning. In addition, participants are asked to volunteer 24 hours with Heartland Tree Alliance to help care for young trees on public property in the region.
During the fall, Overland Park will sponsor a tree planting opportunity to help fulfill volunteer requirements.
Sessions will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, July 24 to Aug. 28. Saturday sessions are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 2 and 16. The cost is $14. To register, call JCCC 913/469-2323.
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