Local Businesses and Non-Profits Combine for E-waste Recycling Event

For the second year in a row, the Artic Mission will host an electronic waste and paper shredding event to raise funds for its heating assistance program.

Last year at “Waste for Warmth,” over 12,000 lbs. of electronic waste was collected and 2,000 lbs. of paper was shredded. Businesses and area residents—this year in two locations —will again have the opportunity to properly dispose of their e-waste and shred sensitive documents for a donation to the Artic Mission.

Charles L. Nault, the executive director of the Artic Mission, says, “Heat is a basic necessity – but not everyone can stretch their income when the cold weather comes to provide adequate heat for their family.” All funds raised at the event will go into the Artic Mission’s heating assistance fund and be used to help families meet that need.

The event is being co-hosted by Cardi’s Furniture, Office Recycling Solutions and Tech Collective, Rhode Island’s Information Technology and Bioscience Industry Association.

Brent Mancuso, Vice President of Office Recycling Solutions, says, “Homeowners can properly dispose of these unwanted items, help the environment and raise money for a worthy cause.”

Most people do not realize that old electronic items are technically “hazardous waste,” Mancuso said.  Computer monitors, for example, contain several harmful substances, including mercury and lead. Office Recycling Solutions properly recycles and disposes of collected e-waste.

“We want to see permanent life change,” Nault said of the Artic Mission, “that’s why all of our programs are a hand-up not a hand-out.” Recipients of funds from the heating assistance program are required to attend a basic finance, Life-Skill Class taught at the Artic Mission. “We want to help them avoid having to come back year after year,” Nault said. Though he said they will not turn away repeat applicants, “We want to give them the tools they need to get a better handle on their finances.”

The event will take place at Cardi’s Furniture, 1681 Quaker Lane, West Warwick, RI 02893 and Cardi’s Furniture, 999 Newport Ave., South Attleboro, MA 02703, on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TV’s, window unit air conditioners, microwaves, dehumidifiers, CPU’s/computers, servers, keyboards, spare computer parts, monitors, laptops, network equipment, mice, printers/copiers/fax machines, scanners, printer cartridges, routers, radios, cables, wires, cell phones and telephones are all approved e-waste. (No white goods i.e., refrigerators, stoves, etc. will be accepted.)

A mobile shredder will be on site to destroy documents containing your personal or sensitive information.

There will be a $5.00 donation for each item recycled and paper shredding will be $0.45 per pound. Household alkaline batteries will be a $0.25 donation and Back-Up Batteries (UPS’s) will be a $2.00 donation.

The Rhode Island Blood Center will be accepting blood donations at both locations. The VNA of Care New England will be administering flu shots in West Warwick and CVS Pharmacy will be administering flu shots in South Attleboro. Cost of flu shots will vary by insurance.

Free refreshments will be served, including baked goods provided by Panera Bread.  

Learn more about the Artic Mission and our co-hosting organizations at www.thearticmission.org or by calling 401-828-9400.