Pella — Pella Corporation, in partnership with Vermeer Manufacturing and the City of Pella, earned a Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Award in the Waste Management category for its annual electronic recycling event held in Pella, Iowa, each Earth Day.
Pella was one of 20 Iowa organizations and businesses to receive an award, which recognizes comprehensive environmental programs as well as special project awards in water quality, air quality, waste management, habitat restoration and development, energy efficiency and renewable energy, and environmental education.
“On behalf of all Iowans, I would like to congratulate these organizations for their leadership and innovation in protecting Iowa’s natural resources,” said Gov. Terry E. Branstad in a released statement. “These awards serve as a small token of appreciation for their commitment to preserve Iowa’s precious natural resources for future generations of Iowans to enjoy.”
Annual eCycling event
Since 2005, Pella has sponsored annual community electronic recycling, or eCycling, events to encourage team members and local residents to safely recycle obsolete electronics. The annual April event honors Earth Day, and has expanded to include five communities in Iowa and Illinois where Pella® Windows and Doors are manufactured.
“Our event educates consumers about the importance of properly recycling electronics and provides them with easy ways to recycle their obsolete products, like cell phones, computer monitors, TVs, keyboards and other unused electronics” said Don Argo, Pella Corporation’s recycling champion.
In 2011, more than 630 homes participated in eCycling events — bringing nearly 2,400 items to be recycled. Televisions were the most popular item recycled, followed by personal computers and monitors.
Since the first eCycling event in 2005, more than 310,296 pounds (or 155.2 tons) of electronics have been diverted from landfills and safely recycled.
“Pella Corporation is proud to be recognized as an environmental leader by Gov. Branstad and we’re proud of our long-time history of recycling obsolete electronics as well as by-products from our manufacturing process,” Argo said.
Reuse and recycle tips
When you retire your computer, cell phone, MP3 player or other electronics, consider donating them to a new user. This not only extends the life of the electronic, but also maximizes the energy and resources that went into making it.
Plus, you'll benefit from the satisfaction of giving an electronic item to a school, nonprofit organization or family that might not otherwise be able to afford it. Before donating or recycling your electronics, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises you to:
- Copy and transfer needed files or information
- Remove any personal information from the device or request that the receiving organization remove the data
- Check with the receiving organization to make sure they will accept your donation. Some organizations have repair capabilities, but others only accept fully functioning items.
- Locate and attach the owner's manual and any power cords and accessories that might be useful to the new owner.
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