To most, it may be nothing more than a mound of obsolete electronics — old computers, microwave ovens, scanners, fax machines, TV sets, video games, and stereos.

But to workers at Marion County Transfer Station, there’s gold in them thar hills.

And copper. And silver. And other recyclable metals and plastics, as well as some toxic elements like lead and mercury — none of which they want to see buried in a landfill.

Since Jan. 1, anything with a circuit board or digital display has been part of a new “e-waste” recycling effort funded in part with a grant from Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Butler County Public Works.

Items can be dropped off at the transfer station from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. The service is free for individuals. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, and hospitals are charged up to $10 per item.