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Electronic devices have become an essential part of everyday life, but disposing of them when they are no longer useful requires more thought than simply tossing them in the trash. Computers, televisions, phones and other electronics can contain harmful materials that do not belong in regular landfills. That is why local residents should take advantage of an upcoming e-waste collection in Harvey and give their unwanted electronics a safer, more responsible destination.
The collection will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Ojibwa Casino, 105 Acre Trail, in Harvey. Supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Great Lakes Climate Corps; and Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, the event offers residents a convenient opportunity to clear out clutter while protecting the environment.
As Kathleen Henry, special projects coordinator for the Superior Watershed Partnership, explained, electronic waste contains toxic materials that should not be disposed of with ordinary household refuse. The collection will ensure that accepted items are handled by a certified recycler, Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations of Onalaska, Wisconsin. Responsible recycling can help recover useful materials, reduce waste and keep potentially hazardous substances out of landfills.
Residents can bring a wide range of unwanted electronics, including computers, phones, tablets, televisions, monitors, DVD and VCR players, gaming consoles, keyboards, cords, routers, desktop printers and scanners. Before loading up the car, however, residents should remember that certain kitchen appliances such as coffee pots, microwaves and vacuums, as well as lamps and rear-projection televisions, will not be accepted.
The cost is modest: $5 per vehicle for residents. Businesses may be invoiced for their materials, with charges depending on the items collected. Those with questions can contact Henry at 906-228-6095, extension 11.
An e-waste collection may seem like a small community event, but its benefits extend well beyond a cleaner garage or basement. Every properly recycled device is an opportunity to reduce unnecessary landfill waste, recover valuable resources and help protect the region’s land and water for future generations.
Responsible disposal is not just a task for businesses or environmental organizations. It is a shared responsibility that begins in our homes. Rather than letting obsolete electronics gather dust or putting them in the household trash, residents should set them aside and bring them to Saturday’s collection.
A $5 contribution and a short trip to Harvey are small prices to pay for making a positive difference. Take the opportunity to do the right thing for the environment -- and encourage a neighbor to do the same.