College of Saint Mary spreads sustainability awareness through recycling event

Omaha, Nebraska (WOWT) – St. Mary’s University has opened its parking lot to the public to recycle unwanted electronics.

The event’s student representative, Madeline Krause, said the event has been running for 10 years.

“We said there was this event because we have a lot of events planned for October to raise awareness about sustainability,” says Krause. “We have a documentary program and multiple talks about healthy food and diet.”

Madeline said the event is meant to educate many people, young and old, about why electronic devices should not be sent to landfills.

“I feel like a lot of people just throw it away because they don’t know what to do with it,” says Krause.

In 2018, St. Mary’s College collected over 900 electronic devices and 5 televisions. When the pandemic hit, we found people were not recycling as much, but now we’re trying to increase that number.

“It makes no sense to throw away something that can be used again,” said Klaus.

Although e-waste makes up only 2% of the trash in landfills, it also makes up 70% of the toxic heavy metals in landfills.

Frank Bartlett is the Director of Operations for Cross Electronic Recycling. He said throwing away electronics is more harmful than people think.

“Toxic substances in electronics include lead, cadmium, and aluminum oxide, all of which can eventually seep into the ground,” says Bartlett.

Bartlett said keeping the earth green and fresh air means putting in more effort.

“I think it’s very important to take care of the planet as much as possible, and that means recycling,” said Bartlett.

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