Want to get rid of electronic junk from your home or office at no extra cost to you? The stuff that’s been hidden away collecting dust in a closet for years.
The 3069 Royal Canadian Army Cadets from St. Albert and Morinville’s 3061 Cadets are organizing an inaugural Electronics Roundup slated to run from April 15 to April 30. Their core support committees have partnered with Shanked Computer Recyling to create a fundraiser for cadets while reducing electronic waste.
“It’s a win-win. We’re scaring up electronics that were destined for the landfill. We’re earning money for a non-profit cause, and if we can save waste going into the landfill, it reduces our carbon footprint,” said Linda LaBonte, chair of the 3069 Core Support Committee.
Shanked Computer Recycling is an audited and approved recycler working under the Alberta Recycling Management Authority. It collects and dismantles electronics in an eco-friendly manner that helps reduce waste. Several years ago, it mainly accepted large and small TVs, computers, laptops, tablets, and small office equipment such as printers and fax machines.
This year, Shanked has launched a new E-pilot program that broadens the scope of material collected. The list is extensive and includes lawn and garden tools, power tools, vacuums, old phones, DVD/VHS players, toasters and other small appliances. Christmas lights, electronic games, noisy kids toys, and audio visual equipment are also accepted.
Once at the Shanked plant, items are disassembled by hand and certain parts are shredded and baled. Videos of the process are available at www.scri.ca/how-we-recycle/.
Large televisions, computers and smaller office equipment generate about $4 per item for fundraising groups while objects in the E-pilot program earn about $300 per ton.
LaBonte said the Department of National Defense only partially subsidizes the national Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program. The program introduces youth to leadership programs, community service, innovative activities and advanced learning opportunity.
On top of the federal funds, core fundraising is necessary to offer cadets additional experiences as well as keeping it free so there is no barrier to access. Fundraising helps cover numerous things such as facility costs, training material and complementary activities.
LaBonte is a mother of three children enrolled in 3069 Royal Canadian Army Cadets. They meet on Wednesdays at CFB from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to training for drills and marches, cadets play team games, learn marksmanship, and attend outdoor weekend expeditions where they learn survival skills.
“They learn leadership, survival discipline and even the more boring knot tying. They learn the importance of presenting well, keeping their uniform clean and shoes polished. They learn to respect themselves and others. They show up prepared and are ready to focus on serving their community. Being a good citizen is important and the program helps facilitate that growth in children,” LaBonte said.
For the fundraiser's two-week duration, the 3069 Royal Army Cadets are parking a full-size sea-can for recyclable electronic items at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 271 on Tache Street. The 3061 Royal Army Cadets Morinville are also parking a sea-can at Royal Canadian Legion No. 176 located at 10120 – 101 Ave.
