(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – You may want to think again before throwing that old computer monitor or microwave in the trash.

Boxes filled with electronic items to be recycled at the Dearborn County Recycling Center. file photo

A new law went into effect January 1 in Indiana making it illegal to dispose of old electronics in the regular trash bound for a landfill.

The law affecting households, businesses and schools won’t be prosecuted criminally, but could help keep drinking water safe.

Electronic items such as televisions, computer parts, printers, and more often contain mercury or lead, which can then seep into groundwater supplies from landfills. Other parts of electronic devices like glass and steel can be used again.

Old electronics should be taken to your local recycling center. In southeast Indiana, the Southeastern Indiana Solid Waste District has locations in Switzerland County (19 McCreary Ridge Road, East Enterprise), Ripley County (2710 N. Hasmer Hill Road, Osgood), and Franklin County (13042 Hwy. 52, west of Brookville).

Dearborn County residents can take their old electronics to the Dearborn County Recycling Center at 10700 Prospect Lane, Aurora.

SISWD’s website says electronic items can also be taken to Goodwill stores for proper disposal.