TAMC offers community electronics recycling day

     PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — After the successful community-wide electronics recycling event The Aroostook Medical Center held this spring, officials have decided to offer an autumn recycling day next Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015.

     “This is another chance for people to clean out their attics, garages and other storage spaces and to bring in their used, broken and unwanted electronics devices for proper disposal, free of charge,” said Mark Bourgoin, security and special projects manager for TAMC Support Services. As the chair of the TAMC Green Team, organizers of this event, Bourgoin is leading the effort.  

     “On Earth Day, we collected over 50,000 pounds of electronic equipment from Aroostook County residents,” he said.

     Properly disposing of electronics keeps harmful materials out of the environment, and also allows for recycling of reusable elements, thus improving the sustainability of earth’s resources.

     “Many of the items contain heavy metals. These items would be dangerous to the environment if not disposed/recycled appropriately. Plus many of these items have plastics that can be recycled for reuse purposes,” said Bourgoin.

     For about 15 years, TAMC has participated in electronics recycling and has taken it a step further this year by co-sponsoring these special electronics recycling days with Electronics End, LLC.

     Collection for the autumn recycling day event, which takes place from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 21, will take place at A.R. Gould Hospital’s Maintenance Garage. Signs will be posted with directions.

     Items that will be accepted include: computer monitors, network servers, TVs, desktop printers, digital frame pictures, cellphones, laptops, game consoles, computer towers, data/electrical cables, FAX machines, scanners, copiers, speakers, keyboards, stereos, DVD/VHS players, and overhead projectors. They are unable to accept light bulbs or batteries at this event.

     Bourgoin and his fellow Green Team members are hoping the event will showcase what TAMC’s philosophy is about the environment and encourage other businesses to follow their lead in becoming active participants in protecting the world in which we live.

     “TAMC has been an active member of the community for over a century. It is our duty to preserve the environment for our children and for our children’s children. As a leading community non-profit organization, we should set the standard for others to follow when it concerns our environment,” said Bourgoin.

     For additional information, contact Bourgoin at (207) 768-4349 or mbourgoin@tamc.org.