Cook Inletkeeper will in May host its 20th Electronics Recycling Event at several locations on the Kenai Peninsula.
The event will take place Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spenard Builders Supply in Homer, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Peninsula Landfill in Soldotna. In Seward, the event will take place on May 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Seward Transfer Facility.
Part of an effort by Cook Inletkeeper to support environmental protection and sustainable community practices, the annual recycling drive has helped keep more than 646,000 pounds of electronic waste from local landfills over the last 20 years, the local nonprofit said in an April 18 press release.
“Electronic waste often contains toxic substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium,” the group said in the release. “If these materials are not properly recycled, they can seep into the soil and water, posing serious environmental and health risks to local communities, wildlife, and ecosystems. Responsible recycling is critical to mitigating these dangers and safeguarding our environment for future generations.”
Electronics recycling also supports the idea of a “circular economy,” the organization said, an approach that “aims to keep valuable materials in circulation for as long as possible, reducing the need for new extraction and harmful mining practices.”
“If metals are worth mining, they’re certainly worth recycling. By recovering these resources, we reduce the environmental impact of mining while supporting a more resilient and sustainable economy.”
This year’s Electronics Recycling Event is sponsored by Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling, Central Peninsula Hospital, River City Books, South Peninsula Hospital, Weaver Brothers, Tote, and Zender Environmental.
Event partners include ReGroup in Soldotna, Sustainable Seward, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Ninilchik Health and Wellness Center, Seldovia Village Tribe, Port Graham Village Council, and Nanwalek IRA.
There is a $15 suggested donation for each TV, monitor or box of miscellaneous electrics. All items accepted regardless of ability to pay. Accepted items: computers, laptops, monitors, printers, servers, routers, hubs, televisions, VCRs, DVD players, stereos and audio components, cameras, video and digital, iPhone, iTouch, iPad, copiers, scanners, fax machines, cellphones and telephones, electronic scales, credit card machines, alarm clocks and clock radios, handheld games, vacuums, communications equipment. To volunteer or schedule a drop-off for a business, school, tribe, nonprofit or government agency, contact regroupkenaipeninsula@gmail.com or call 907-252-2773.
