So you’ve got a bunch of used batteries lying around, a CD player that finally gave out, maybe a big ol’ TV that’s not nearly as cool as the hi-def flat-screen you got for Hanukkah. And something you don’t have is a lot of excess storage space. You’re about this close to renting a storage facility for all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years (you’re a little alarmed by some of your slight hoarding tendencies), so the last thing you need is to hold on to a bunch of electronic junk.
That doesn’t give you license to dump it in a trash bin or leave it outside for your trash-disposal or recycling vendor to deal with (as one of my selfish neighbors did the other day). Not only is it not their job to dispose of e-waste and household hazardous waste (HHW), but they’re not equipped to deal with it.
Lucky for you, me, and the environment, Saturday is another convenient chance to do the right thing, as the annual 2nd District eWaste & Recycling Drive will take place (rain or shine) from 9AM to 1PM in the parking lot at Broadway and Long Beach Blvd.
According to an event press release, all cell phones dropped off will be donated to Interval House Crisis Center “to help battered spouses and children successfully transition out of abusive homes.”
In addition to e-waste, you can also drop off you old “white goods”—refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, etc.—as well as bulk items (chairs, sofas, mattresses, etc.). You can also get a full box of documents shredded for free, with additional shredding for $5 per box. And all this without ever getting out of your car!
Unfortunately, Saturday’s event will not help you with most HHW, but you can visit the Environmental Services Bureau online for information on how deal with that stuff, as well as a list of environmentally-friendly alternatives to many HHW products.
Regardless of whether you can make it to Saturday’s event, your e-waste and HHW is your problem. You purchased that old DVD player, those single-use batteries (by the way, what are you doing not having switched to recharageables? What do you think this is, 1993?), those light bulbs, that cell phone that isn’t so smart—so you take responsibility for disposing of them responsibly.
Yeah, it’s a bit of a hassle. But that’s one of the prices of having the modern conveniences. So don’t be like my neighbor. Pay your share.
The 2nd District eWaste & Recycling Drive takes place Saturday, January 26, 9AM to 1PM at the Broadway Parking Lot (335 E. Broadway, LB 90802).
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