On Saturday, April 20, the Alexander Street parking lot at Elmhurst College will turn into a Recycling Extravaganza, a place to bring a variety of items that will be recycled, reused and kept out of landfills.
Acceptable items include electronics, books, clothing, bicycles, appliances and much more. The event is free and open to the public.
As a result of last year’s Recycling Extravaganza, a total of 85,805 pounds of recyclables was diverted from landfills during this one-day event. Contributions will benefit many nonprofit service organizations and ultimately will help other individuals and families.
State law prohibits consumers from throwing out electronics with ordinary trash, and also prohibits landfills from accepting them.
During the Recycling Extravaganza, electronics of all kinds will be accepted, including computer monitors, TVs, computers, printers, VCRs, tape players, gaming consoles and small appliances such as hair dryers, toasters.
Several nonprofit social service and green-focused organizations also will be at the Extravaganza, accepting donations of everything from carpet scraps to dented bicycles to eyeglasses.
- The Working Bikes Cooperative will repair discarded bicycles and ship them to depressed countries or areas hit by natural disasters. The group also will accept wheelchairs, child seats and sewing machines (in working condition).
- SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education) and the Cornerstone Used Book Store will accept books, gently used school and arts & craft supplies, buttons and LP records.
- St. Vincent dePaul will take clean clothing, shoes, linens, baby clothes, sporting goods and household items.
- The Elmhurst Lions Club will reuse donated hearing aids and reading glasses to help people with vision and hearing impairments.
The Recycling Extravaganza will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon on April 20 in Elmhurst College’s Alexander Street parking lot. To facilitate traffic flow, vehicles must enter at Prospect Avenue and Walter Street. Email questions to sustainable@elmhurst.edu.