Electronic recycling drive planned for April 26

An Electronic Recycling Drive will be held on April 26 in front of the Station Arts Centre. Rick Martin, left, and Floyd Marshall, right, volunteers with the Tillsonburg Sailing Association, have been working with Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director of the Station Arts Centre, to organize the event. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Just in time for spring cleaning, the Station Arts Centre and the Tillsonburg Sailing Association are planning an electronics recycling drive for Saturday, April 26.

Items can be dropped off at the depot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the day of the event. The street will closed to accommodate the bins and traffic.

The variety of electronic items that can be recycled is huge, from televisions to stoves, but no items containing freon will be accepted.

The two groups have been working together to collect electronics on an ongoing basis, but a decision was made to host a larger event to raise the profile of the ongoing efforts and to help with spring cleaning.

"A lot of people around this time are doing spring cleaning,” said Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director of the Station Arts Centre. “A lot of people don’t realize we have electronics drop-off.”

The timing of the event also coincides with Earth Month.

“It’s helping the environment and two local charities,” Verbuyst said.

All the items will be recycled through the Electronic Products Recycling Association. This national non-profit ensures end-of-life electronics are handled safely, securely and environmentally-friendly. Products are sent to audited and approved recyclers, where the components of products, such as plastic, glass, and metals, are removed and returned to the manufacturing supply chain. Any dangerous substances, such as mercury, are removed and disposed of safely.

For those who can’t get the items to the event, pick-up is available by e-mailing egetty@stationarts.ca

Volunteers will be available to help lift items out of trunks. More volunteers are also needed for the day, including people with trucks and trailers to pick up items. For those unable to come on that day, items can be dropped off by the trailer throughout the week.

Proceeds from the event will go to Station Arts Centre programs and the Sailing Association. The latter group supports St. Paul’s AOTS and local charities in the community, including the food bank, Upper Deck, and Station Arts Centre.