Oregonians are picking up on the E-Cycles theme. They brought more than 24.1 million pounds of their unwanted televisions, computers and monitors to the 250-plus collection sites throughout the state in 2010 – a 27 percent gain over Oregon E-Cycles program's first year of operation.

The free drop-off program, which electronic manufacturers fund and DEQ oversees, ensures that these common electronic items, which contain toxic metals such as lead and cadmium, get properly disposed of or recycled.

"These figures shows this program is working and is effective in handling the vast amount of electronic waste that we all generate," said DEQ E-Cycles specialist Kathy Kiwala.

First-quarter figures for 2011 are expected in mid-April, Kiwala said. For more information on the program, see DEQ's website.

DEQ has determined that current environmental conditions at the former Vernonia Tank Farm & Warehouse site will allow for future use as a non-residential senior center and food pantry. This relocation is part of a joint effort by the City of Vernonia and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to relocate facilities damaged by the devastating 2007 floods.

From 1931 to 1960, Shell Oil Company owned the site and operated it as a small bulk oil storage facility also called a tank farm. The property was reportedly vacant when the Oregon Department of Transportation purchased the property in 1974.

After reviewing the results of environmental investigations at the site in 2009 and 2010, DEQ concluded that the property does not pose a risk to human health and the environment and that no environmental cleanup is needed. Read the news release.

DEQ is using $2 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) funds for woodstove programs in Klamath Falls, Lakeview, Oakridge and the Burns/Hines area to assist homeowners in replacing old, inefficient and uncertified woodstoves used as a primary source of heat. Each program offers a complete rebate for a certified appliance for homeowners who qualify as low-income and partial rebates for those who qualify regardless of income. DEQ expects to replace nearly 800 woodstoves.

The benefit to air quality is significant. Older, uncertified woodstoves can pollute up to 80 percent more and burn up to 60 percent less efficiently. This program is in areas that DEQ has targeted due to elevated levels of particulate pollution and high use of uncertified woodstoves.

Applicants must verify that their old stove has been destroyed by having a signed certification from a recycling company. The old stoves may not be reused or sold.

Interested homeowners in Klamath Falls/Lakeview should call 541-884-5593 for program details. In Oakridge, call the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency at 541-736-1056. In the Burns/Hines area, homeowners should call Harney County Senior and Community Services at 541-573-6024.

The woodstove replacement programs will continue until funds are depleted or February 1, 2012, whichever comes first.

April 30, 2011 is National Drug Take Back day. Find a location where you can safely dispose of expired pharmaceuticals . Learn more.

Time to get you vehicle inspected? Find out where.