PORTLAND —Washington state has collected 22.1 million pounds of unwanted televisions, computers and monitors since its free electronics recycling program began in January.

The latest figures, through July, show that televisions account for 57 percent of the weight collected so far.

Washington officials had expected 25 million pounds in the program's first year.

Both Washington and Oregon started free, manufacturer-financed electronics recycling programs on Jan. 1.

Oregon's last count, through March, showed about 5 million pounds collected, also on pace to exceed the 12.2 million pounds projected for 2009.

The Washington law passed in 2006 was the first to require manufacturers to be responsible for recycling electronic waste, which end up in the landfill and can seep lead, mercury and other chemicals into the environment.

On the Net:

Washington state e-recycle program: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eproductrecycle/