Get plugged into the school Electronics Recycling Competition

It’s likely a safe bet you have some old electronics lying around the house. Think laptops, cell phones, cords, cables, monitors, keyboards, speakers, tablets, game consoles, remotes, or AV equipment. Maybe even VCRs!

You get the point. We all have unwanted, unused, or broken electronics.

If you’ve been seeking a way to safely and responsibly donate and/or recycle these items, you don’t have to wait any longer. Consider donating them to the Electronics Recycling Competition (Jan. 7-March 20), a joint effort between Lane County schools, NextStep Recycling, and Waste Wise Lane County—a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division.

While the competition isn’t new (it’s been going on for many years), this year’s may be the biggest, as nearly 50 schools from across the county signed up.

Lane County schools that recycle the most “e-waste” will win grants of up to $500 from Lane County Waste Management to support school sustainability, a NextStep Reuse Store gift certificate, and a special recognition award.

The top schools in each of the four student population categories will win the prize package and a $500 grant. In contrast, the second-place school in each population category will win the prize package and a $250 grant.

In 2024, 18 schools collected 13,269 pounds. In 2025, we expect to more than double that total. Considering that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream, this is a big deal!

All Lane County residents are invited to participate, whether they are parents of students or not.

You can either donate to your chosen school by dropping off your electronic items during the school’s pickup week (which you can find at http://www.wastewiselane.org/erc), or you can drop off electronics at the NextStep Donation Center (245 Jackson Street, Eugene) during the competition.

Businesses can also donate their electronic waste to schools during the competition—and NextStep will even pick it up! Email [email protected] with questions or for more information.

Waste Wise Tip: Donate to the Electronics Recycling Competition

Kelly Bell, Lane County Master Recycler program coordinator, encourages you to get involved with the Electronics Recycling Competition, a partnership with Lane County schools and NextStep Recycling. Learn more at http://www.wastewiselane.org/erc. Scan the code to watch a short video and subscribe to Waste Wise Lane County’s Instagram channel for Kelly’s monthly tips at http://www.instagram.com/wastewiselanecounty.

Waste Wise Lane County, a part of the Lane County Waste Management Division, seeks to empower residents, businesses, and schools with resources to reduce waste and live sustainably. Sign up for the Waste Wise newsletter at lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.