Alerts Sign-up
BlairTech, a computer refurbisher based in Covington, Kentucky, is set to launch a year-round e-waste recycling initiative with an event on April 5. The event will be held at BlairTech's Tech Castle retail location in Latonia from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This new initiative is a partnership with the City of Covington and Keep Covington Beautiful, part of The Center for Great Neighborhoods.
Unlike the city's annual e-waste drop-off event in June, which accepts paper, Styrofoam, and appliances, the April event will focus solely on electronics and similar devices. Items containing data such as laptops and printers will be securely stored until they undergo data wiping and destruction processes that meet federal standards. Many devices will be refurbished or repurposed by BlairTech instead of merely being recycled.
Laura Blair, marketing director at BlairTech, emphasized their commitment to sustainability: “Sustainability has always been at the core of what we do... Our zero-landfill policy means absolutely nothing brought into our facility enters a landfill – ever.”
Sheila Fields, Solid Waste and Recycling manager for Covington, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This partnership offers local and convenient accessibility for proper disposal of electronic waste for our community at no charge not only on April 5th but anytime during the year.”
The list of acceptable items includes computers and accessories like desktops and laptops, telephone equipment including cellphones, tablets, printers, copiers, video game systems, TVs (with waived fees for certain types during the event), VCRs and accessories. Alkaline batteries are also accepted without fees on April 5.
Recycling electronics helps protect water sources by keeping e-waste out of landfills and reduces toxic waste pollution. It also recovers valuable materials like aluminum and copper.
BlairTech celebrates two decades in business with over ten years in Covington. With 57 full-time employees, it operates Tech Castle as its local retail storefront offering renewed technology products alongside repair services. Tech Castle is partially powered by solar energy.
Starting Saturday alongside this initiative, BlairTech will collect gently used books to support "Little Free Library" sites around Covington as part of the Read Ready Covington early childhood literacy program.
