The drive-through your office drawer has been waiting for

Winnipeg

Now’s your time. All those electronics you stacked in your garage and the accessories collecting dust in your desk drawer can soon have a better home. Instead of taking up space in your house or office, they can be put to use for organizations that can refurbish them to help make Winnipeg a better place. And it’s as easy as getting your morning coffee — except better, because it’s free. This event is for businesses and consumers.

On Sept. 18, you can bring all unwanted electronics to CF Polo Park (875 St. James St.), where the Electronics Recycling Association and Better Business Bureau of Central Canada will recycle the items free of charge. They’ll refurbish what they can into items for Seven Oaks General Hospital, Humanitarian Solidarity for Development and Empowerment (HSDE) and N’Dinawemak Inc.

The Humanitarian Solidarity for Development and Empowerment empowers marginalized youth and children through mental health support, education, poverty relief, and environmental action. They work to create stronger communities through this work, which is done in both French and English. N’Dinawemak Inc. meets people where they are to provide a safe space in a no-barrier and inclusive environment. They provide connection and support to those experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg or those who need somewhere to go.

Your unwanted electronics can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it. Not only will it be used by these incredible community builders, it’ll also divert electronic waste and potentially harmful chemicals from our shared landfill. A 2023 study out of the University of Waterloo found that Canada’s e-waste tripled in the two previous decades, making it more vital than ever for Canadians to correctly dispose of their old phones and hard drives.

If you’re wary of recycling your hard drive or computer drive, bring it to the event on Sept. 18, where ERA will have their mobile shredder. This shredder will destroy the device to get rid of any retained data so you can have peace of mind that your digital information isn’t being passed on anywhere. ERA will do it for free.

Other items accepted are: desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, printers, servers, USBs, gaming consoles, MP3 players, cameras, cords, cables, keyboards, mice and other accessories. This event does not accept microwaves, tube televisions and household appliances.

A lot of these items tend to collect dust in a drawer, and we tend to think we’ll have a use for them someday. But as technology evolves, we’re often proven wrong and the junk drawer grows until we feel tempted to tip it into the trash. Save yourself, the environment and your community by gathering up these unused items and recycling them at an event that truly benefits everyone.

The event run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Plaza at CF Polo Park. You can stay in your car and team members will come get your items to make it as easy as a drive through. This drive through visit, though, fosters a larger impact than your morning caffeine fix.