How Can You Recycle Your Electronics?

Have you ever been faced with the question of what, exactly, to do with some of your most common household items when you no longer need them? Do you, like so many people, have a growing collection of old electronics, appliances and perhaps even televisions, computers and car batteries because you simply don’t know how to dispose of them?

If so you are, without a doubt, not the only one. Gone forever are the days when we innocently believed that it was ok for everything to head into the trash and straight for the local dump. Today we understand the importance of protecting the environment through recycling but, at the same time, don’t always know exactly where to go with certain items.

This weekend, however, is a perfect opportunity to clean out your basement, start fresh and, at the same time, help communities both here in Wilmington and half a world away.

On Saturday, August 11, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. you can bring many of those items to the parking lot of in Wilmington for “Electronic Recycle Day.” Best of all you can leave knowing that the items will be carefully recycled and, at the same time, a portion of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit the church.

As Jim Wood, who arranged the annual event explained, “The materials get separated and are reclaimed to approximately 97%. There is very little waste in the system. Along with that, part of the proceeds directly benefits St. Thomas’ Church.”

In addition to the benefit here in the local community there is a whole other side to the recycling event. Wood also takes pride in the fact that he accepts bicycles which, in many cases, will be sent to Ghana, Africa, where they are much needed.

“I absolutely hate to see perfectly good bikes thrown away,” Wood said. “I have contacts in Ghana and make arrangements for the bikes to go there where kids genuinely do walk miles to school. In addition many of the bikes are used as ‘pedal power’ within the community.”

Many things that we take for granted and consider trash are highly sought after in places like Ghana. 

“They are always looked for bikes,” said Wood. “But sewing machines are another important item there.”

On Saturday you can visit St Thomas Parking lot and drop off any number of items that are now just taking up space.  

The event will have fees such as $5 per computer or electronic item, $10 for any small television under 19 inches or any appliance, $15 for televisions 19-25 inches, $20 for wood console televisions and $25 for projection television sets with a portion of the fee benefitting Saint Thomas Church.

For more information you can e-mail Jim Wood.