Local teen launches Earth Day recycling initiative

Cape High junior Chris Runde says his community means a lot to him, so he wants to do his part to ensure a sustainable environment.

More than 150 million phones are thrown away each year, he said, and fewer than 5% of rechargeable devices or lithium-ion batteries are actually recycled.

These batteries can be taken to local home improvement stores and the transfer station in Georgetown, he said, but not many people know that. People don’t want to throw away their old electronics, he said, but they don’t know a convenient alternative.

“Overall, I think we can do a better job recycling,” he said.

While researching ways to make recycling convenient and free for everyone, Runde discovered a company called Redwood Materials, which produces anode and cathode components from recycled batteries.

He contacted Redwood Materials, which sent him a collection box and other supplies to help start a recycling initiative that he will launch on Earth Day.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 22, a drop-off location near Legends Stadium at Cape High will collect old batteries and charging devices, including electric razors, power tools, cordless vacuums, cellphones, electric toothbrushes, cordless mixers, tablets and wireless headphones. If it rains, the drop-off bin will be located in the rotunda in the school’s main lobby.

Members of the Cape High Green Club will be on hand that day, said Runde, who hopes to hold future events and partner with local civic and community organizations to host collection events and drop-off locations as well. 

“We’ve had overwhelming support from the community,” he said. “I hope everyone gets involved. We’re really excited for it.”

For more information, go to bit.ly/3KB7aID.