As we near Earth Day 2023, our county leaders, environmental groups, and local conservation districts remind us that caring for our planet is in our hands! Next Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, Lake Michigan College will host the annual Berrien County Community Recycling Event, from 3 p.m to 7 p.m.
This massive event collects many items for appropriate disposal, such as electronics and household items that are not accepted in our weekly home rubbish pickup. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle day kicks off multiple recycling events this season, presenting a total of five locations that will aid in minimizing what ends up in our landfills throughout our warmer months.
The items that will be accepted at LMC on April 11th are:
Household Chemicals
Electronics (some fees apply)
Foam/Polystyrene
Personal Documents for On-Site Shredding
Used Bicycles
“April is Keep America Beautiful month,” says Berrien County Recycling. “Recycling keeps waste out of landfills, and prevents materials from being littered. Composting to add to your garden keeps the soil and plants healthy. Work to keep our home beautiful this month by sending less to the landfill!”
To bring items for recycling on April 11th, you will enter the Lake Michigan College campus at Yore Avenue, and follow the signs in the parking lot. United Federal Credit Union has graciously provided partial funding for the document shredding portion of recycle day, and wants you to “get a jumpstart on your spring cleaning!”
The Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center in Buchanan hosts their recycle days on Saturday, May 13th, from 8 a.m to 12 p.m, and Saturday, October 7th, and will accept: Household Chemicals, Electronics (some fees apply), Foam/Polystyrene, and Personal Documents for On-Site Shredding.
Chikaming Township Hall in Harbert will host their day on Wednesday, June 7th, from 3 p.m to 7 p.m, and will be accepting Household Chemicals and Electronics.
Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph offers recycling day on Saturday, September 16th, from 9 a.m to 1 p.m, and will accept: Household Chemicals, Electronics (some fees apply), and Foam/Polystyrene.
The Berrien County Recycling Program began many years ago, and since then, over 38,000 residents have taken advantage of recycling days. Over two million pounds of material has been collected and recycled, including 48,600 pounds of electronic waste. Berrien County is grateful to have partnered with Green Earth Electronics in St. Joseph, to aid in collecting unwanted e-waste items.
To learn more about this program and how you can help, please visit the new Berrien County Recycling Facebook page, and the Berrien County Recycling Program page at berriencounty.org.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
