ReStore offers free e-cycling, discounts on Earth Day

Drop off you old computers, bulky TVs, broken cellphones and other electronics for free recycling during ReStore’s Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The ReStore will earn 1 to 12 cents per pound from your donations—money that will help fund more Habitat projects.

“We’re filling a need,” said Michael Urness, ReStore manager. “There are no other recycling sites in Ramsey County that accept as many electronics as we will and are also free to the public. And at this point, Ramsey County itself does not operate a free e-cycling program for residents like some other metro counties do.”

The donated electronics will go to Vintage Tech Recyclers which is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Minnesota to provide collection service for Habitat ReStores. Vintage refurbishes the electronics it receives or recovers raw materials to recycle into new products. For data security, Vintage also wipes all computer and cell phone hard drives.

“Part of ReStore’s mission is to prevent usable materials from entering landfills,” explained Urness, “so every pound of electronics we collect is a plus. This collection service also helps reduce the amount of toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury found in some electronics from landfills.”

The ReStore is celebrating its new e-cycling program on Earth Day with special store discounts. Donate your old electronics and then shop ReStore for a 30% discount on most items. For a complete list of electronics accepted go to http://www.tchabitat.org/restore/recycle.

After Earth Day, the ReStore will collect electronics during store hours, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. .to 3 p.m. .at 510 County Road D West, New Brighton (intersection of Country Road D West and I-35W North).