EAST LONGMEADOW — Families in East Longmeadow will soon have a chance to clear out old electronics and securely dispose of paperwork, all while supporting local schools.
The East Longmeadow Public Schools’ five parent groups are teaming up once again for the annual E-Cycle and Paper Shredding Fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 6, at East Longmeadow High School.
From 9 a.m. to noon, Gold Circuit Recycling will be on-site with its truck to accept a wide variety of electronics and small appliances, while from 10 a.m. to noon, ProShred will provide secure, on-site paper shredding services.
According to parent volunteer Katie Reilly, families can bring everything from small household appliances to televisions and computer parts.
“The Gold Circuit E-Cycle truck will accept small appliances — DVD players, toasters, vacuums, yard tools, computer parts, monitors, TVs, dehumidifiers, washers, dryers … and so much more. The Pro-Shred truck is also on site to take your personal paperwork that needs shredding. This is at a low cost as the event supports the five town schools’ parent groups and their programming,” Reilly said.
There are, however, some restrictions. Styrofoam, large refrigerators, batteries, furniture and mattresses cannot be accepted.
The fundraiser is a group effort, with parent representatives from each of the five schools staffing the event. “We split the profits evenly and each school uses this differently,” Reilly explained. “Typically, the role of the parent groups is to support schools with programming and activities that go above and beyond the typical school day budgetary needs. This could mean that the money helps pay for special guests, authors, in-house field trips, enrichment supplies, field trip costs and additional teacher supplies to enhance learning. Each school has different requests and needs, but the money supports students and teachers in various ways throughout the year. ”
In addition to the educational benefits, the event plays an important role in promoting responsible waste disposal. “It is important to have a safe and legal way to dispose of household products that are not typically accepted in the weekly trash collection,” Reilly noted. “We surely do not want to see these items in the woods, on the side of the road, or streetside on trash day, left behind. People remember that we hold this annual event and keep some items to bring, knowing they can dispose of them and support our school groups simultaneously.”
Past events have drawn steady crowds, and organizers are hopeful for another strong turnout. “We seem to have a consistent turn out, but the more the merrier!” said Reilly. “Now is the perfect time to clean out and prepare for the start of a new year. Instead of hanging onto old items, this ecycle event is right around the corner — so it’s the perfect time to start that fall cleaning and bring them over to the high school.”
The East Longmeadow Department of Public Health helps offset costs by assisting with the ProShred truck rental, while East Longmeadow High School students often volunteer to help unload cars and direct traffic.
Reilly encourages families who have never attended before to give it a try. “Disposing of these items costs money every day. I cannot think of many families who have no old or broken electronics after a year. This event allows families to dispose of their items and contribute to the school groups at the same time. It’s the only day each year that part of your disposal fee goes back to the students and families — a double win to clean out the house and help our kids!”
The fundraiser will take place at the front horseshoe entrance of East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple St. Payment is accepted by check, made out to Birchland Park Middle School PTO, Venmo or cash.
All proceeds will directly benefit students and teachers across the East Longmeadow Public Schools.
