Recycling and Reuse a Focus for Earth Day Event

The Talkeetna Recycling Committee collected more than two gaylords of electronic waste, or e-waste, at this year’s Earth Day event.

In its second year, the community brought flatscreen T.V.s, wires, phones, and even cash registers to be recycled. Electronic waste is not accepted at the Valley transfer stations.

Cici Schoenberger with the Recycling Committee says several businesses came together to make the collection free for the public. The Denali Education Center hosted the Earth Day event. Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge donated a box truck to transport the waste to the Borough’s main landfill where there is a place for electronic waste. The Borough waived fees for the collection.

Schoenberger says the Committee hopes to collect e-waste every year. About 1,900 pounds in nearly three full gaylords were collected in 2022, full of computers and printers. 

In addition to collecting e-waste, the Recycling Committee is focusing on reuse. The Committee purchased 2,000 reusable cups with a design made by local artist Sarah Opfer. Six local businesses will sell reusable cups made from 100 percent recycled plastic that is free of BPA and PFAS (pee-FASS). The cups also have carabiners for easy carrying and can hold hot or cold beverages. Some of the businesses selling the cups will offer to fill them at a discount or provide other incentives for reuse.

The Talkeetna transfer station accepts recycling on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Schoenberger says that volunteers are always welcome for the two-hour shifts between noon and four p.m. on those days. Schoenberger says that the well-sorted recyclables at the transfer station make them sellable commodities, particularly aluminum cans and certain plastics. Schoenberger invites potential volunteers to contact her directly at cscho02642@gmail.com.