Solid Waste District teams with local libraries to offer cellphone/tablet recycling

*Huntingburg Library Director Lisa McWilliams and Solid Waste District Director Carla Striegel-Winner with one of the new recycling bin for phones and tablets.*

The Dubois County Solid Waste District (SWMD), in partnership with all of Dubois County’s public libraries, is excited to offer free, convenient, and secure recycling bins for cell phones and tablets at all five of the county libraries.

The brightly colored secure bins have a slot in the front just the right size for accepting old cell phones, tablets, and their cords.

The bins, which are made from 97% recycled milk jugs, are possible due to an Indiana Department of Environmental Management Community Recycling Grant. The SWMD paid for a portion of the bins and the grant matches that cost as well as the in-kind time of library and SWMD staff in collecting and recycling the electronic devices.

The Dubois County Solid Waste District was looking for an easy way for residents to be able to recycle small devices. The 8 county drop sites are already tasked with accepting so many types of items. “Partnering with the libraries was a no-brainer,” said SWMD Director Carla Striegel-Winner, “We have two great library systems in the county. They are welcoming community places that have convenient hours and many residents use their electronic devices at the libraries regularly. Being able to properly recycle them there makes sense. I am so glad that Directors Christine Golden and Lisa McWilliams were on board with the project.”

To recycle small electronic devices, residents just need to go to Huntingburg, Jasper, Dubois, Ferdinand or Birdseye libraries during open hours and find the bright red recycling bin with pictures of phones and tablets on it. Items can be placed in the slot. Devices stay locked in the bin until staff removes them for recycling. The SWMD uses a secure electronics recycling vendor for recycling the items.

Individuals who have questions or have other electronics in need of recycling can call the SWMD office at 812-482-7865 or check out our Facebook page or www.duboiscountyrecycles.org for additional information on District services.