PORT TOWNSEND — Students at the private Swan School in Port Townsend went hands-on to learn — and teach — about the state’s new program for recycling electronic waste.
A small group of seventh-graders from the school visited the Goodwill store and delivered computers, monitors and televisions to be recycled by the program.
Community service
Washington state’s “E-Cycle” program began on Jan. 1 with the intent to create a free and easy way to recycle old electronics responsibly.
“It helps recycle so this stuff won’t end up in a landfill,” said Inian Moon, 11.
“That’s why were here — we want to keep the law.”
The students have created public service announcements on the Internet site YouTube as part of their curriculum.
They can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNDlHBNQQ4M and www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4zURZ4UEJE.
“This is hands-on community service,” said Melinda Pongrey, a teacher at Swan School.
“This shows them how it really works.
“It puts the learning around something authentic.”
The kids unloaded monitors and computer parts from a pickup truck and took them into the Goodwill store.
Goodwill is the location in Jefferson County where residents can drop off computer waste for free.
“We’re a collection center,” said Garland Roberts, of Goodwill.
“If the electronics work, we’ll fix them up and try to sell them.
“If not, we’ll wrap them up, ship them off to the state to take care of.
“It’s hard work, but we’re glad to be a part of it.
“It was pretty expensive to pay to take this stuff to the dump.”
The Port Townsend Goodwill, at 602 Howard St., is accepting drop-offs of electronics free of charge on Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
