Tons of e-waste (electronic waste) containing toxins such as lead are being sent to landfill, consequently placing our health and the environment at risk. The Kawartha Lakes Community Futures Development Corporation (KLCFDC) through Industry Canada’s Ontario Development Program and the Ontario Trillium foundation (OTF) have provided the Technology Alliance Group (TAG) for Kawartha Lakes with funding to address this community concern.
In partnership with Community Living Kawartha Lakes (CLKL), TAG is hosting the first event computer take-back day. This E-Waste Unplugged event will raise awareness about e-recycling and allow residents environmentally safe disposal of their unwanted equipment.
With the help of the $11,000 OTF grant, TAG is developing a business plan for an exciting and innovative program aimed at diverting electronic equipment from landfills. The OTF is an agency of the Government of Ontario.
TAG is a non-profit charitable organization working to increase public awareness of technology and its uses. Since establishment in 2001, TAG has offered a variety of services to the public, free of charge, including access to computers and training. In promoting the use of technology, TAG recognizes that continual upgrading of technology can create an environmental problem. The City of Kawartha Lakes (CKL) offers electronic recycling at both the Fenelon Falls and Lindsay-Ops City Landfill sites. TAG is working closely with the City to ensure that the proposed facility will compliment the existing recycling system. For further details call the City at (705) 324-9411 or (888) 822-2225. You can also visit their web site: http://www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/Community/Waste/electronics_recycling.htm
TAG is often approached by people with functioning unwanted computer equipment that they are reluctant to send to land fill; on the other hand TAG is aware of people and organizations in need of
equipment. Last year with assistance of a youth intern provided by the KLCFDC, TAG was able to refurbish and re-distribute 32 computers to non-profit organizations and families in need.
TAG’s key partner, Community Living Kawartha Lakes, is a United Way funded agency. CLKL has successfully supported people with intellectual challenges and their families through all stages of their lives. Jobs ‘R’ Us, a division of CLKL, already has a group of people skilled at recycling and they will be working with TAG to dismantle and sort equipment. This project will not only be beneficial to the environment but it will provide employment for people with intellectual challenges.
So, mark your calendars for Tuesday September 11, 2007 as TAG and CLKL is encouraging everyone to take action NOW.
Dust off your old, unwanted computers for FREE responsible recycling at the Canadian Tire Parking Lot from 11:00AM to 7:00PM.
Items accepted for recycling: computers, computer accessories such as mice, keyboards and cables, printer and fax machines. Monitors will also be accepted at a $10 shipping cost. Cell phones and ink cartridges will also be accepted in support of the Kawartha Lakes Food Source. Charitable Donation Tax Receipts will be provided upon donation drop-off.
You can also join in the fun as a group of highly energetic and motivated employees from Jobs ‘R’ Us of CLKL dismantle and prepare materials for recycling.
For more information about E-Waste Unplugged contact TAG at (705) 878-9261.
Help support your community and the environment today!
