E-scrap Event Provides Opportunity to Reduce Landfill Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Cars lined up from U.S. 62 to AGC Automotive Americas waiting to dispose of any old or broken television or other electronic devices that have been collecting dust.

The annual E-scrap recycling event allows Hardin County residents to drop off various unwanted electronics including computers, cameras, phones, printers, televisions and monitors.

Blair Roberts of Cecilia was one of the many participants who drove to AGC to drop off any electronic.

“I’m grateful that there is an event like this here in Hardin,” Roberts said. “This is proof that Hardin County residents care deeply about sustainability when given the opportunity to act.”

Roberts said she spent roughly 10 minutes in line before she had her car emptied of electronics.

“It’s easy and convenient to drop off old devices. It also keeps harmful materials out of our landfills,” Roberts said. “My only issue is that I wish they did it more than once a year.”

Cory Moore, environmental specialist, said this is the 18th year for E-scrap event.

“We do this as a service to the community and to help keep electronics out of landfills,” Moore said.

Once the items are collected, Tri State E-scrap will take all the items back to their facility, Moore said.

“99% of all the materials will go back into new products,” Moore said. “It’s important for residents to come to this once a year event. We don’t want to contaminate landfills any more than they already are.”

According to Moore, electronics have precious metals in them.

“People will go through and retrieve the gold and the silver and all the circuit boards just to keep them out of landfills,” Moore said.

Moore said last year’s event had roughly 300 cars, but he predicts by the end of the day more than 60,000 pounds of e-scrap will be collected.

“We, as a company, have really strict environmental standards that we hold ourselves to. We’re looking to be carbon neutral by 2030,” Moore said. “We take a strong approach on our side and to set our standards and it’s good to give back to the community and see that they take this event so serious.”

Johnathan Hugh of Radcliff had to make two trips to AGC to drop off all the electronics he no longer uses.

“I don’t understand how I always end up with so many electronics,” Hugh said. “But I’m grateful that there is a place that offers the e-scrap services.”

Hugh urges all residents to be cautious of what they throw away.

“Electronics are never going to biodegrade and it’s important that we keep them out of our landfills,” Hugh said. “The most environmentally right thing to do is wait until another event pops up before throwing any electronic away.”

The event is organized by Hardin County Government and sponsored by AGC and Tri State E-Scrap.

Courtesy: www.thenewsenterprise.com