Recycling Extravaganza Hauls in Tons of E-Waste

The third annual Recycling Extravaganza hauled in 109,655 pounds of electronics, 159 American flags, 157 lead acid batteries and 128 fire extinguishers, as well as seven cribs, five crib mattresses, four dressers and a changing table, according to the village website.

The event, held Sept. 11 in Parking Lot H of the Belmont Train Station, was timed to encourage residents to recycle rather than toss e-waste and other recyclables on the curb during Amnesty Week, which is scheduled for next week.

While the amount of electronics fell 32,000 pounds short of last year's haul, the event saw greater participation from the community. Some 1,800 cars dropped off recyclables during the six-hour extravaganza, which was co-sponsored by the Downers Grove Park District. 

About 40 volunteers aided in the effort, said Mary Van Milligen, who coordinated the event for the village. Dunkin Donuts, Trader Joe's and Celebrity Sandwiches contributed the food and drink that kept them going.

Participating organizations included Creative Recycling, Sharing Connections Furniture Bank Cintas Document Management, DuPage County, Century Post 503 VFW, Exide Technologies, Tri State Fire Extinguishers, Downers Grove Noon Lions Club, and SCARCE.