Beginning Oct. 1, King County residents and businesses will be prohibited from disposing of computers, laptops, monitors, television sets and cell phones in the garbage or at transfer stations.

The county's ban on electronics disposal aims to encourage recycling of the valuable materials contained in these products, and to reduce the amount of heavy metals and other hazardous materials in our environment.

Each day in Washington, approximately 1,600 computers become obsolete. The average cell phone is used for only 18 months.

Each year, these and other types of electronic equipment comprise 2-5% of the nation's 210 million tons of solid waste.

This equipment contains hazardous materials such as mercury, lead and flame retard ants that are harmful to human health and the environment.

King County now is asking residents and businesses to recycle electronic equipment at authorized recycle locations that are part of its "Take It Back Network" (TIBN).

Members of this group of local electronics retailers, repair and resale vendors, recyclers, and nonprofit organizations reuse or properly recycle electronic equipment.

They must meet stringent guidelines for the recycling and handling of electronics equipment and comply with all local, state and federal regulations and international trade laws.

Staples is the first major national retailer to join the Take It Back Network for recycling computers and related equipment.

Consumers can simply drop off unwanted electronics at any of the 14 Staples stores throughout King and Snohomish counties.

A small recycling fee is charged to cover product handling and recycling costs.

For more information about Take it Back Network recycling locations, go to www.takeitbacknetwork.org.