The Recycling Extravaganza event is returning for its fourth year on Saturday, Aug. 22, and organizers are looking for volunteers to assist with the community offering.

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northland Pines Elementary School just north of Eagle River.

Hundreds of vehicles from the Vilas and Oneida county areas and beyond take part in this free event that gives people a chance to unload their electronics, scrap metal, plastic bags, appliances and numerous other items for free to keep them out of landfills.

Bill Blaus has spearheaded the effort for four years now, and is thrilled with the turnout they’ve seen at each event. Last year he clocked 538 vehicles that came through. But to efficiently handle this number of vehicles, he needs all the help he can get.

“We’ve just been blown away by the turnout each year, but we need community members to lend a helping hand for us to keep the line moving smoothly,” Blaus said.

Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations out of La Crosse will again lend its services to collect electronics. Last year the company was able to fully stock two semi-trailers with literal tons of electronics, and start on a third.

Don Scharf’s Automotive and Recycling will again be on hand to collect scrap metal and freon-containing items, which Blaus said was a big draw last year. Eagle River Recyclers for Trex will be there collecting plastic bags, and law enforcement will take drugs, medications and other items throughout the day.

“It’s awesome that we are able to keep this much refuse out of area landfills,” Blaus said. “We even get the U.S. Forest Service over here to deposit the things they pull out of the national forest that have been illegally dumped.”

Man your stations

From helping to unload vehicles to directing traffic to collecting items at various stations, there is always something to do at the Recycling Extravaganza.

“I’m looking for as many volunteers as I can get to make the job go easier and faster,” Blaus said. “Where I need the most help is with the scrap metal and freon items,” Blaus said. “People have been instructed that they are expected to unload their items themselves, but sometimes help is needed to speed things up.”

He asks that volunteers be at the elementary school by 8 a.m. to help set up for the 9 a.m. start, as well as take part in a safety and instructional meeting.

Any cars that were in line by the 1 p.m. wrap-up are allowed to come through, so Blaus said the end time is not definite, but volunteers also are asked to stick around to help clean up.
Anyone who would like to take part or would like more information on how they can help should contact Blaus at bblaus@aol.com or 630-306-2941.

“This is such a great program and we have such fantastic helpers, but we can always use more. Anyone who cares about their environment and wants to help out is more than welcome.”