The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa partnered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to host an e-waste recycling event. This free event goes from October 16th through the 18th, hosted at the Fond du Lac Waste Transfer Station (46 University Road, Cloquet, MN).

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For the three days, Tribal members and Carlton County residents are invited to bring any old electronics and batteries to be disposed of. The location is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday while remaining open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. that Saturday.

What can you dispose of? Single-use batteries: lithium, alkaline, button, coinRechargeable batteries: battery packs, tool batteries, single cellsElectronics: computers, monitors, tablets, cell phones, printers, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players, sound systems, gaming consolesMedia: VHS tapes, DVDs, cassette tapes, CDsAudio/visual: stereos, radios, CD players, cameras, video recordersHousehold electronics: electric power tools, vacuums, lamps, hair dryers, curling irons, clothes irons, rechargeable handheld devices (e.g., toothbrushes, toys)Appliances: microwaves, blenders, toastersMiscellaneous: televisions (any size), string lights (e.g., holiday lights), chargers, power cords

People do not need to prepare their electronics for disposal. Members of the Fond du Lac Waste Transfer Station sort the items into boxes so they can be safely packed and stored for disposal.

“This actually goes over to Wisconsin, a vendor in Wisconsin who then further sorts,” said the public works manager, Jordan Vandal. The vendor in Wisconsin “then distributes those out for proper handling and recycling there and then remanufacturing of goods.”

Since 2023, the MPCA has partnered with Tribal governments across Minnesota to offer free e-waste and battery collection events, building on the state’s e-waste recycling program that funds collection and recycling in Greater Minnesota.

According to the MPCA, in working with seven Tribal governments, they have collected and recycled around 74,000 pounds of electronics and batteries.

For Related Stories: Cloquet  Ethan Schurman  Fond du Lac Band  Minnesota