PITTSBURGH — City residents will soon be able to recycle their electronic and hazardous waste in a cost-effective manner with a new contract being introduced to Pittsburgh City council on Tuesday.

Electronic waste, or e-waste, such as televisions and computers, contains lead and mercury. E-waste has been banned in Pennsylvania landfills since 2010, leaving residents with few options on how to safely recycle.

ICYMI: Environmental Services will soon roll out curbside & drop-off for electronic & hazardous waste. Electronic waste (TV’s & computers) have been banned from since 2010. Often, that refuse ends up in neighborhoods & on #Pittsburgh's hillsides: https://t.co/M2AcrOXKV0 pic.twitter.com/BPSTauGIzW

— Pittsburgh Public Works (@PGHDPW) December 11, 2018

Under the legislation being introduced Tuesday, the City Department of Public Works would contract with Environmental Coordination Services and Recycling, Inc. to provide both curbside and drop-off options for residents looking to recycle e-waste and household hazardous waste, including paint and chemicals. The service would begin in January.

Without these recycling services, the waste is often left abandoned on curbsides or is dumped illegally. This program, which comes from legislation introduced by Councilwoman Theresa Kail-Smith and former Councilman and current mayoral Chief of Staff Dan Gilman, seeks to provide residents with dependable and responsible ways to dispose of the material.

“This legislation is good for residents and for our neighborhoods, especially as it should cut down on illegal dumping,” Councilwoman Kail-Smith said. “I want to thank Mayor Peduto, Mr. Gilman, and all those in the Department of Public Works for their support.”