When your calendars turn over to 2009 and you're overwhelmed with new electronics, don't throw the old ones out - it may be illegal.

Fortunately, for an average of $1.44 a year, you may be able to take them to the landfill for free.

The Casper City Council preliminarily agreed to increase garbage rates at the landfill, which would mean about a 12-cent per month increase for Casper residents. At the same time, the city agreed to ban all electronics from the landfill.

Most electronics, especially televisions which have large amounts of lead and mercury, are harmful to the cells in the balefill.

This will create an easier system for everyone, said Council member Guy Padgett.

Right now, it costs $10 per electronic item to recycle it at the landfill. Some city officials worried this was discouraging people from recycling.

In addition to simply throwing away those broken microwaves, TVs and computer monitors, people have also been "gifting" them to local nonprofits and tossing them in alleys and ditches.

Solid Waste Division Manager Cynthia Langston said this option is not only simpler for people but will ease trips to the landfill.

Another earlier option broke down the costs of electronics by box sizes charging $5, $10 and $15 depending on the size of the electronic. Anything larger than the $15 box was to be charged $30.

Even though this is a feasible option, Langston said it still could encourage illegal dumping and create long lines at the landfill while people decide what box fits their electronics.

Landfill staff members also felt motivated to find another solution to fees because of a pricier-than-expected amnesty day.

In an effort to lower the burden on Casperites and thrift stores, the council held one day of free TV recycling. The city collected more than 600 boob tubes and staff members worried another day like that, especially after the holiday season, could cost more than $50,000.

Mayor Paul Bertoglio thought banning electronics from the landfill and at the same time allowing people to recycle them for free would further encourage proper disposal.

The council will vote on the new system in an upcoming city council meeting. If approved, it would come into effect on Jan. 1, just in time for post holiday turnover and the change from analog to digital TVs.

News Tracker

Last we knew: The Casper City Council held an amnesty day for television disposal which brought more than 600 TVs and $12,000 in disposal costs to the landfill.

The latest: The council preliminarily agreed to increase garbage rates at the landfill, meaning roughly a 12-cent per month increase for Casper residents. It also agreed to ban all electronics - essentially anything that plugs in - from the landfill.

What's next: The changes require a formal vote before the council and if approved will be enforced Jan. 1.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com