Corbin recycles 7 tons of E-Scrap

The Corbin Recycling Center sent off one of its largest loads of recyclables Monday, thanks in part to the community’s help over the weekend. The items collected were shipped to Lebonworth Federal Prison in Kansas, where inmates will most likely sort through and possibly refurbish the items.
CRC, in conjunction with Corbin Economic Development Agency, the City of Corbin, PRIDE and Williamsburg radio station WEZJ, held the city’s first E-scrap Recycling Event, giving local residents and businesses as well, a chance to dispose of some electronics devices that may have otherwise been deposited in local landfills.

According to CRC Director Greg Ison, the tally collected during the event was almost 15,000 pounds (approximately 7 tons). Initially, Isom said that amount would have been a surprise to him, but he said once he realized the items that could be disposed of, he wasn’t so surprised.
“Coming in, I really didn’t know what to expect as far as an amount that we would collect,” he said. “Once I realized what all people could bring in and get rid of, it wasn’t really that much of a surprise at all.

“There were a lot of items brought in that would have gone to landfills and who knows where else,” he added. “I am just glad we could do something to help the environment and give our local people a way to get rid of some of these items. They had this stuff sitting around for several years but didn’t know what to do with it. They brought in lots of electronics other than just computers.”
The best news for some of the items collected is that Saturday’s event may not be the end of the line for them. Once they reach their destination, the items will be refurbished, if possible, and used again in some capacity.

“I think some of the cell phones will be given to the elderly and the computers may be reconditioned and used again in classrooms and stuff for education,” Isom said. “It’s really a good program to be involved in when you look at it.”
In addition to those who brought items in, Isom said he wanted to thank all those that pitched in to help in the effort.
“We had Mayor McBurney down there and three of our City Commissioners (Dennis Lynch, Phil Gregory and Bruce Farris) and our City Manager came down and brought some items in as well,” he said. “I also have to thank the folks from PRIDE that took part in this especially Mark Davis. He worked hard down here as well.”

As for future events, Isom said he was unsure of when the city could put together another E-scrap event, but said he felt like it too would be a success as well. Ison even mentioned being able to accept e-scrap items on a regular basis.
“We would definitely like to host an event like this again if the chance comes around,” Isom said. “As for taking that stuff all the time, I think we could do it if we had a bigger building, but as you can see, it takes up a lot of space.
“Until then, the center in London accepts E-scrap year round, so there is an alternative when you need to dispose of this stuff,” he added. “Hopefully people will take advantage of that option.”

The Corbin Recycling Center normally does not accept e-scrap. The free event this weekend was made possible by these sponsors: Kentucky Association of Environmental Education (KAEE), UNICOR Recycling, Corbin Economic Development Agency, City of Corbin, Corbin Recycling Center, PRIDE, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and WEZJ-FM.