The Houlton Rotary Club is sponsoring a free electronic waste recycling event on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Improper disposal of electronics causes elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium and other environmentally harmful chemicals and metals to enter our environment and cause soil and water contamination hazardous to human and other life,” said Mac Randolph, Houlton Rotarian. “Proper disposal of any electronic item is important, and by using the existing facilities here in Houlton, it can also be very expensive, enough so that individuals may not dispose of these items properly.”
For two years, Houlton Rotary has been involved in working with licensed, Maine approved electronic waste vendors, and this year the club is hosting Electronics End, LLC from Brewer. Electronic End operates a DEP licensed and insured Electronics Demanufacturing Facility where electronics get recycled into sub-components and are returned to the manufacturing process for future goods, helping to conserve valuable resources and eliminate toxic waste.
Electronics End is an “Approved Consolidator for Maine’s Product Stewardship Program” for covered electronic devices, and is approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Electronics End provides an eco-friendly solution for residents, businesses, schools, hospitals and municipalities to rid themselves of broken, out-of-date and unwanted electronics of any kind, all at no cost to the community.
Houlton Rotary Club members assist by unloading cars and trucks with them and working with Electronics End to load their pallets and trailer. Club members will seek donations from people bringing in waste. These donations will be used in funding the numerous projects Rotary is being asked to participate in for the 2016-2017 year.
The event is open to residents throughout southern Aroostook County.
