Groups collect 690 pounds of batteries to recycle
GOLDEN AGE FOUNDATION
On July 28, the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) and Teens Against EWaste worked together to host a free battery and e-waste recycling event for the Leisure World community, serving 305 cars in two hours.
The total weight of batteries collected totaled about 690 pounds and the estimated ewaste total was approximately 420 pounds, including desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers, networking equipment and other small electronics.
A dedicated group of a dozen teenage volunteers, aged 13 to 17, from three local Teens Against E-Waste branches, along with five parent chaperones, worked side-by-side with the GAF volunteers collecting batteries and e-waste. The teenagers helped residents unload used batteries, old cell phones, tablets, laptops, cables, and small household appliances from cars.
The event’s primary goal was to prevent these items, which contain hazardous materials, from ending up in landfills and to ensure the recovery of valuable metals that can be reused in new technology. The teens and GAF volunteers sorted the batteries and e-waste and then loaded them onto the truck from JunkBug, a certified recycling company and long-term partner of Teens Against E-Waste.
The collaboration was a two-way street of inspiration. The Teens Against E-Waste volunteers brought their characteristic passion and strong belief in activism to the cause, demonstrating the power of young leaders in environmental action. In turn, the teens gained knowledge from the GAF volunteers, who shared meticulousness, patience, and unwavering dedication to serving their community and protecting the planet.
The event with the GAF aligns perfectly with Teens Against E-Waste’s mission to raise awareness about the critical e-waste issue, take concrete action for a greener planet, and engage teen leaders. All collected e-waste will be handled by certified partners to ensure environmentally sound processing.
The GAF would like to thank the Teens Against E-Waste volunteers and their parents, along with the GAF volunteers: Al Basler, Harry Varnas, Carol Ostergarrd, Geneva Potepan, Sophie Jin, Fara McCartney, Charlie Dunn, Jim Gable, George and Anna Derby.
The next battery and e-waste recycling event will be Nov. 14 at the Amphitheater from 10 a.m.-noon.
Teens Against E-Waste was founded in spring 2021 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on raising e-waste awareness, promoting environmental action and fostering youth leadership. For more information about the GAF, go to www.goldenagefdn.org. —Anna Derby The Golden Age Foundation is not affiliated with the Golden Rain Foundation.
Golden Age Foundation and Teens Against E-Waste volunteers
