Annual Electronics Recycling Drive Amassed Nearly Two Million Pounds of Unwanted Electronics

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MERS/Goodwill, Congregation B'nai Amoona and the City of Creve Coeur held Sixth Annual Electronics Recycling Drive that Helped St. Louisans Reduce Waste by the Tons

ST. LOUIS (November 11, 2010) – In six years, the Annual Electronics Drive has helped the St. Louis community reduce the amount of unwanted electronics, destined for a nearby landfill, by nearly 2 million pounds (1,000 tons). MERS/Goodwill, Congregation B’nai Amoona and the City of Creve Coeur hosted the two-day event, held on November 7 and 8, which amassed more than 200 tons of recyclable electronics.

“Working in conjunction with the City of Creve Coeur and Congregation B’nai Amoona proved to be successful once again this year,” says Dr. Lewis Chartock, President and CEO of MERS/Goodwill. “I have high expectations for next year and look forward to future partnerships with the community.”

The Electronics Drive collected 230 tons during this year’s drive, adding to the 676 tons they collected the last five years, totaling 906 tons of electronics. Items collected included computers and computer accessories, phones (land-line and cellular), clocks, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, AV equipment such as cable and satellite boxes, and anything with a cord, motor, or battery.

“This year’s involvement of the community to continue donating electronics helped toward improving our environment,” said Phyllis Cantor of Congregation B’nai Amoona. “The unique partnership with Goodwill and the City of Creve Coeur continues to be beneficial every year and we are pleased to know that these items will be reprocessed and not thrown into a landfill.”

In addition to the Electronics Recycling Drive, B’nai Amoona volunteers collected monetary donations for area food pantries to purchase turkeys for needy families on Thanksgiving. During the two days of the Drive $5,600.00 was raised, which will benefit the patrons of nine food pantries.

“Not only were we able to help keep the environment a little cleaner, we were also able to help not one, but two local organizations during a very important holiday time,” said Harold L. Dielmann, Mayor of Creve Coeur.

About MERS/Goodwill
MERS/Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides for the vocational needs of individuals who have barriers to employment through disability or economic disadvantage. Annually serving more than 13,000 people, the organization operates 38 service centers in 53 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 40 Goodwill stores and the auto donation program assist with funding MERS/Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS/Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS/Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.

About Congregation B’nai Amoona
Congregation B’nai Amoona is a fully egalitarian conservative synagogue where the focus is spiritual experiences, educational opportunities and fellowship. B’nai Amoona serves approximately 800 families in a warm, friendly and spiritual atmosphere. For more information about Congregation B’nai Amoona please call 314-576-9990 or visit www.bnaiamoona.com.

About the City of Creve Coeur
The City of Creve Coeur is located within the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan region. Creve Coeur is an established and affluent community with a daytime population of more than 40,000 and a nighttime population of 16,500. The unsurpassed quality of life makes Creve Coeur an ideal place to live, work and play, with access to beautiful neighborhoods, ample park land, superior community services and premier educational institutions, not to mention the excellent medical services available in the community.

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