JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — People with old electronic items to discard can take them to the Joplin Recycling Center for free next week and be assured they won't be wind up in a landfill.

The center normally accepts items such as television sets and computers for free. But employees of a computer company will be at the Jan. 4 event to remove computer hard drives and destroy them onsite.

Joplin recycling coordinator Mary Anne Phillips says computers can leak toxic materials in landfills. She also notes that many parts from electronic items are recyclable.

The session will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the recycling center. It is open to all area residents, including those who don't live in Joplin.