Ink cartridge and e-waste recycling and disposal are hot topics in corporations all over the world. Major companies have instituted internal recycling policies and specialty and department stores have followed suit. Due to the increased media, the general public is becoming more informed about these items and is taking matters into their own hands.
Richard Swenson, a supervisor at a Minnesota Wal-Mart, took it upon himself to set up a one day recycling event in the mega store’s parking lot. Swenson organized the mostly free collection collaboration with Grant’s Recycling in the nearby town of Baxter.
From 9 A.M. - 1 P.M., the general public was able to unload a tremendous amount of recyclable items and e-waste, such as old VCRs, DVD players, and assorted appliances, most at no charge. The only items not accepted at the recycle day were televisions and computer monitors.
“We’re trying to find different ways to help people out and help the environment,” Swenson said.
The program was not a Wal-Mart sponsored activity. Mr. Swenson was inspired to organise the free recycling collection through the company’s Personal Sustainability Practice programme, designed to help associates live healthier lives while raising public awareness. Swenson said that the programme “sparked something” in him.
“When I realized how much can be done just by recycling, it was an eye-opening experience,” Swenson said.
Setting up the free recycling collection event was simply a matter of seeking out available resources.
“Anybody can do it. You just have to contact the right people,” he said.
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