swapping e-waste to help community health care

STRATHROY, ON. October 18, 2013. Next week hosts an opportunity for the local residents to not only do that last clean out of the season, but know that their unwanted electronics (aka e-waste) will in turn benefit their community. Friday October 25th kicks off a 3 day event where Strathroy residents can bring in their old, obsolete and unwanted electronics for recycling with the goal of diverting this e-waste from landfills and providing a donation to SMGH Auxiliary from the collected e-waste. "This is the first time E-Recycling has been part of SMGH Auxiliary's fundraising events. The Auxiliary members are very supportive of this new recycling fundraiser, as recycling has become an important part of our daily lives,” says Karrin Kimberley, SMGH Auxiliary President. “One of the most difficult items to dispose of is electronics and this fundraiser gives many people an accessible drop off center, which not only helps them clean up: but, helps their Community Hospital at the same time. We’re looking forward to a very successful E-Recycling event this October with hopes to continue this event as a yearly fundraising endeavor."

Spearheaded by entrepreneur, Edward Greenwood at eCycle Ontario ERC, the event will run starting Friday October 25 – Sunday October 27 from 9am-dusk each day at the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH) front south parking lot located on Carrie Street. “It’s an easy way for people in the community to give back and get rid of any unwanted electronics,” said Greenwood. “The proceeds from the 3 day event will be donated to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Auxiliary so we’re hoping to get as many people out as possible to participate, make use of this free service and help the hospital purchase new equipment to better serve its community.” On top of recycling e-waste responsibly, event day participants are eligible for a prize giveaway sponsored by Sun Life Financial.

In preparation for the event, eCycle Ontario ERC is reminding individuals to clear their electronic devices of any personal data before donating. For individuals who forget or are unable to do so, there will be a free data destruction service available on-site during the 3 day event. A group of volunteers from eCycle ERC and Sun Life Financial will be on-site to help unload old and unwanted electronics from vehicles. For those who cannot transport their unwanted electronics to SMGH, a free pick-up service will be available for local residents leading up the event from October 18-24. Please visit www.ecycleontario.com to book a pick-up time.

For more information about the event please visit www.ecycleontario.com or www.smghfoundation.com under News & Events.

E-Waste Facts (from eCycle Pledge at RecycleYourElectronics.ca and Ontario Electronic Stewardship):

·         In 2011, 90% of Ontarian individuals indicated they had at least one out-of-use device.

·         Ontarians own 38% of devices in Canada or 12,035,696 devices

·         As of September 2012, one tonne of electronic waste is the equivalent of: 37 TVs, 135 desktops, 3,333 computer keyboards, or 8,000 cell phones http://www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca/sites/all/files/pdf/press/OES-Fact-Sheet.pdf

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