Old televisions, spare power cords, laptop batteries, VCRs, broken keyboards, almost any home is likely to have clutter like this taking up space. What makes this kind of clutter different from the rest, however, is how it can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.
According to Kim Wickman, with the Wrangell Cooperative Association's IGAP office, a lot of electronic items have products and chemicals in them that could be harmful to the soil they're dumped in or any water they leak into. Beyond that, electronics can take up lots of space in a landfill and add toxins to said landfill.
With that in mind, the IGAP office is organizing their third annual "e-waste" event to help Wrangell properly dispose of their electronic junk.
On March 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wrangell residents can stop by the carving shed on Front Street to drop off old or broken electronics that are no longer needed.
Wickman said that they are accepting almost all kinds of electronics. However, she did ask that people not bring any vacuum cleaners, as those are bulky and take up too much space.
The IGAP department has partnered with Total Reclaim, a Washington State company that handles electronic waste. According to Total Reclaim's website, they have recycled over 500 million pounds of electronics. To cover shipping costs and taxes, Wickman said that they will be asking for a suggested $5 fee for people who drop off their electronics.
"This is our third e-waste event," she said. "One of the biggest pushes we want people to understand, though, is this year could possibly be the last for a year or so. We have not budgeted for next year to do an e-waste event, so anything that is hiding in closets and cupboards needs to come to us now."
Last year, Wickman said, they were able to fill 19 pallets with e-waste. They were also assisted by tech program students from Wrangell High School. The e-waste event is a good opportunity to declutter and help recycle, she said.
She added that it is also a good opportunity for commercial entities to get rid of e-waste. For them, however, she asks that they call ahead before March 23 to make arrangements on passing off their electronics. The IGAP department can be reached at (907) 874-4304.
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