More than 54,000 pounds of old televisions, computers, printers, CD and DVD players, game consoles and other electronics were recycled and kept out of landfills as a result of Elmhurst College’s third annual Recycling Extravaganza.
Held on April 12, the Extravaganza was an opportunity for residents of Elmhurst and nearby communities to donate not only electronics but also clothing, bicycles, books, carpeting, appliances and much more.
By the end of the three-hour event, 917 cars had come through the Recycling Extravaganza and dropped off, among other things:
- 54,266 pounds of electronics
- 4,531 pounds of household items
- 5,688 pounds of clothing
- 1,646 books
- 76 bicycles
- 199 pairs of eyeglasses
- 2,100 pounds of scrap metal
- 1,500 pounds of carpet and padding
In addition, 201 trees were saved because of the 24,000 pounds of paper that people brought over to be shredded and recycled.
Many of the donations benefited several nonprofit and service organizations, including the DuPage Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the Working Bikes Cooperative, SCARCE, the Elmhurst Lions Club and Goodwill Industries.
Elmhurst College has held three annual Recycling Extravaganzas since 2012, resulting in the recycling of 199,206 pounds of electronics. For more information about the College’s environmental efforts, see Sustainability at Elmhurst College.