Spectrum Health offers recycling of consumer electronics

Members of the hospital information services department display samples of electronic items that can be recycled this Friday and Saturday. From left, Cathy Beckett, lead clinical analyst, Will Hagerty, systems administrator, and Chip Bowden, network administrator.

Public invited, October 10-11.

LUDINGTON — Rapid advances in technology and changing consumer tastes have led to mountains of discarded electronic devices, creating an increasing environmental hazard.

In October and November the entire Spectrum Health system, in partnership with Comprenew of Grand Rapids, is offering to collect household electronics so they can be recycled, repurposed or properly disposed. Computer equipment, telephones, printers, game systems, VCRs, radios, intact TVs, even microwaves are among the many items accepted. Major appliances, however, cannot be taken.

Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital will hold its community collection drive Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11 in the employee parking lot just off Ludington Ave. (US 10). A Comprenew trailer will be on site to accept items from the public as well as hospital employees.

People from throughout Mason, Oceana and Manistee counties and the surrounding area are welcome to drop off items in Ludington. The van will be open for the community on October 10 from noon until 6:00 p.m., and on October 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last year Spectrum Health recycled more than 32,000 pounds of consumer electronic material, according to Sarah Chartier, sustainability coordinator for the health care system.

“The electronic recycling program allows us to partner with a West Michigan non-profit recycler to provide a responsible method for employees and the community to dispose of their electronics,” Chartier said. “This process allows us to prevent electronics from going into landfills, capture precious resources for reuse and reduce the demand for mining and extraction of virgin materials.

“Our goal is to improve the health of our community and protect the natural environment, and this is a way for us to give back while supporting both goals,” Chartier added.

Greg Soper, director of materials management and plant operations, organized the Ludington event.

“We have been recycling within the hospital,” said Soper, “and we’re glad to have the opportunity to join the other Spectrum Health hospitals to extend this environmental program to the entire community and all of West Michigan.”

Donated items are refurbished and put on sale when possible. Comprenew just opened a new electronics store at 5157 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids on Saturday, October 4. The store offers refurbished electronics and repairs, and will also accept donated electronics for recycling.