Dozens of mid-Michigan residents unloaded decades of unwanted gadgets to prevent hazardous materials from reaching area landfills. The Meridian Green Team hosted its annual Fall Electronics Recycling Event in the Meridian Mall parking lot, offering community members a safe way to dispose of old electronics and small household appliances.
Schupan Electronics Recycling partnered with the township to process the items, while Consumers Energy collected dehumidifiers, air conditioners, and small refrigerators to provide customer rebates. Jacob Schueler, team lead for Schupan Electronics Recycling, said routine collection drives provide essential infrastructure for communities that lack dedicated drop-off centers.
鈥淣ot only is it hazardous to throw them away, there鈥檚 different metals and chemicals that can be terrible for the environment,鈥� Schueler said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 mercury and lead that is bad for the soil, bad for surrounding rivers and lakes and areas.鈥�