Spring Cleaning? Recycle Electronics, Appliances and More on Apr. 19

Lebanon, Ill. — Get rid of old or unwanted electronics and appliances the eco-friendly way at McKendree University on Thursday, Apr. 19.

The non-profit Web Innovations and Technology Services (WITS) will accept items dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Look for the tractor-trailer in the parking lot next to the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts on Alton Street in Lebanon.

The university’s Green Team sponsors community recycling drives twice a year, in the spring and fall, to keep unwanted household items out of the landfills. The Apr. 19 event is part of Earth Week activities on campus.

Among the many items WITS will accept are electronics, computer hardware and accessories; phones, clocks and office equipment; CDs and VHS tapes; furniture (non-wood) and home appliances both large and small; lawn mowers, tools and motors; car and household batteries, and lead items. For a complete list of recyclables, go online to witsinc.org and click on “Recycling.” Paint and empty paint cans, tires, chemicals and wooden items will not be accepted.

Donations are tax-deductible. Most items will be taken free of charge. WITS charges $5 for appliances larger than a microwave and those containing Freon, such as refrigerators and air conditioners. TVs, laptop computers and monitors may be recycled for free but a $5 donation per item is suggested.

WITS refurbishes old computers and other electronics by fixing or replacing what may be broken. WITS also provides free computers and training to St. Louis area veterans, low-income students and others in need to help them further their educational and career goals. Anything beyond repair is recycled and nothing is sent to landfills or shipped overseas.

For more information, call the WITS St. Louis office at (314) 382-1650 or visit www.witsinc.org.

 

-McK-