On Saturday, April 18, the Alexander Blvd. parking lot at Elmhurst College will become a Recycling Extravaganza, where people can bring a variety of household items that will be recycled, reused, repurposed and kept out of landfills.

The Recycling Extravaganza is free and open to anyone bringing household-generated electronic waste and other items. In addition to an electronics recycler, several nonprofit social service and green-focused organizations will be on hand to accept donations of usable building supplies, clothing, bicycles, carpeting, books, eyeglasses, household items, appliances and much more. A complete list of acceptable items is available online (pdf).

Paper shredding will be available, with a suggested donation of $2 per box or bag to help offset the cost. Free battery recycling also will be available.

The Recycling Extravaganza will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon on April 18 in Elmhurst College’s Alexander Blvd. parking lot. To facilitate traffic flow, vehicles must enter at Prospect Avenue and Walter Street. Email any questions about the Recycling Extravaganza to [email protected].

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 computers, TVs, printers, VCRs, tape players, gaming consoles and small appliances such as hair dryers and toasters. Participants may drop off no more than two televisions, computer monitors or other CRT-containing devices per vehicle (the electronics recycler has the right to refuse such items if necessary).

This year’s sponsors include the City of Elmhurst, SCARCE, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, New Life Electronics Recycling, Working Bikes Cooperative, PROSHRED and Chicago Metro.

As a result of last year’s Recycling Extravaganza, more than 54,000 pounds of electronics were recycled and kept out of landfills. By the end of the event, 917 cars had come through the Recycling Extravaganza. Besides electronics, donations included: 4,531 pounds of household items, 5,688 pounds of clothing, 1,646 books, 76 bicycles, 199 pairs of eyeglasses and 2,100 pounds of scrap metal. The donations benefited many nonprofit service organizations, individuals and families. In addition, 201 trees were saved because of the 24,000 pounds of paper that were shredded at the event and recycled.