By Alison James

Associate Editor

“The sharing of ideas and resources provides a strong foundation for a future regional recycling program.”

Such is the declaration of the East Alabama Recycling Patnership, and Sept. 13 Lee County residents will have a chance to be part of that with a Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding event.

Free and open to county residents, the event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 13 in Saugahatchee Square, 3700 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika (formerly Midway Plaza) near Precision Tune Auto Care.

Items that will be accepted for recycling include the following: computers, monitors, laptops, cellphones, telephones, printers, copiers, fax machines, banking equipment, medical equipment, circuit boards and components, games, stereo equipment, refrigerators, air conditioning units, household appliances, batteries and televisions, along with confidential paper documents to be shredded on site (limited to ten boxes per vehicle).

“I know some of the municipals charge (for pickup/disposal of) appliances and stuff, and we are hosting a free event,” said Chris Bozeman, county director of environmental services. “(And) it’s not going into a landfill to be buried.”

The county, Auburn Univeristy, Keep Opelika Beautiful and the cities of Auburn and Opelika make up the recycling partnership.

Bozeman said people should be aware that they cannot accept hazardous materials, household chemicals or tires – electronics and documents to be shredded are the only acceptable items.

“Basically it’s anything that will plug into the wall,” Bozeman said.

Bozeman said the partnership recycles what it can for money.

People are also encouraged to bring canned goods or money for the Food Bank of East Alabama.

To find out more information about the event or the EARP, visit www.eastalrecycles.org.