INDIANAPOLIS, 2015-11-4 — /Travel PR News/ — The three white rhinos living at the Indianapolis Zoo weigh a combined seven tons. Yet that’s not even half of the amount of recyclable materials collected this past spring during the Zoo’s Power Recycling Weekend presented by Ingram Micro U.S. Mobility and Lifecycle Services.
The Zoo will host this semi-annual event from 9am to 3pm on Nov. 7-8, offering area residents a convenient way to clear their homes of clutter while also helping to preserve habitat for wildlife. Electronics, paper, small appliances and more can be dropped off at the Zoo’s parking lot. Marking its sixth year as lead sponsor, Ingram Micro and its associates will provide volunteer support to make vehicle unloading fast and easy. Plus, to say thanks for being a good environmental steward, participants will receive a coupon for $2 off Zoo admission.
Most electronics — from computers and video game systems to cell phones and personal devices — will be accepted free of charge, with recycling provided by Recycle Force. Please note there is a $5 processing fee for TVs and monitors. However, large appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers and air conditioners, will not be accepted.
Additionally, Goodwill of Central Indiana will be on site to collect new and gently used clothes, household items, furniture, books, toys and more. Ray’s Trash will also provide document shredding from 10am to 2pm both days with a limit of three boxes per vehicle.
Electronic waste is a growing problem in the U.S., with millions of tons of unused materials incinerated or dumped in landfills each year. As one of the Zoo’s many green initiatives, Power Recycling Weekend is a convenient and eco-friendly way to eliminate e-waste. The spring event helped divert more than 18 tons of waste from area landfills. However, according to the EPA, ewaste is still the fastest growing waste stream in the U.S.
Recent EPA reports indicate that, of more than 3.4 million tons of e-waste generated in the U.S. in 2012, just 1 million tons, or 29 percent, was recycled. And while e-waste makes up only about 2 percent of trash generated annually in the U.S., it contributes as much as 70 percent of the environmental pollutants, such as lead, arsenic, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
According to Ingram Micro’s recent publication Recycling Mobile Devices: A Consumer Awareness Study, half of U.S. adults are unsure how to properly dispose of used electronic devices. By taking unused electronics to the Zoo during Power Recycling Weekend, visitors are helping to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals released into the ground, water and air.
In addition to Power Recycling Weekend, the Zoo also offers on-grounds recycling containers as well as internally recycling paper, aluminum, mulch, tree trimmings and even “Zoo doo” thanks to its official recycling partner, Ray’s Trash.
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About the Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo empowers people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Association of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com
Media Contacts
Judy Palermo
PR Senior Manager
317-630-2010
jpalermo@indyzoo.com
Carla Knapp
PR Specialist
317-630-3257
cknapp@indyzoo.com
Melanie Laurendine
Conservation PR Specialist
317-630-3265
mlaurendine@indyzoo.com