Electronics recycling has diverted thousands of kilograms from landfill sites

Staff and students and Sonrise Christian Academy were pleased to present Anna Marie Ferguson, executive director of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation, with $400 raised at their electronics recycling event in Wellington. Briar Boyce photo

The efforts of those who drop off, and those who collect electronics for recycling have diverted thousands of kilograms from landfill sites.

The Kinsmen Club of Picton, Picton and Hallowell Fire Fighters Associations, Picton Home Hardware staff, Sonrise Christian Academy and the Prince Edward Junior Farmers all pitched in to collect the electronics at six different events held at the Picton Home Hardware parking lot and one event held in Wellington.

“Last year we diverted a total of 93,000 kgs of electronics in eight events,” said Linda Ryan, PEC’s Waste Management Supervisor. “So we are down a little, but we have one more event coming up this weekend. On Nov. 3 and 4, residents have a last chance to get rid of their unwanted televisions and electronics at the Picton Home Hardware Parking Lot.  “So far this year with all of our events we have collected 56,964 kilograms of electronic waste (56.964 t). This material has been diverted from the landfills by some dedicated volunteer groups and properly dismantled and recycled by processors in Ontario.”

Ryan thanks everybody for properly disposing of their electronics, and sends a “huge thank you to all of the volunteers who help out at these events and to Home Hardware for allowing us to use their parking lot.”

The last television and electronics event of the year will be held the weekend of Nov. 3-4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Picton Home Hardware, 13544 Loyalist Parkway. Drop off is free of charge, but donations are welcome to support the volunteer groups.

“This is a great opportunity to help the environment where we live and build funds for the volunteer groups,” says Ryan, the event’s co-ordinator.

Acceptable items include: Photocopiers, radios, speakers, stereo equipment
TV’s, Desktop Computers, Portable Computers, Computer Peripherals, Cell Phones, Monitors Printing Devices & for more items