Residents Can Recycle Electronics, Scrap Metal at Upcoming Winneshiek County Event

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. Residents of Winneshiek County will have a chance to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronics and scrap metal during an upcoming community recycling event aimed at reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainability. Winneshiek County Recycling, in collaboration with the Winneshiek Energy District, is hosting an Electronics and Scrap Metal Recycling Day on Saturday, May 16, from 8 to 11 a.m. The event will take place at 2510 172nd Ave. in Decorah. Organizers encourage residents to "clean out your electronics drawer" and bring in unused or broken items. Many electronics contain metals that can be recycled indefinitely, helping conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact. The event also supports several community benefits, including extending the life of the local landfill, improving safety for landfill workers and reducing the need for mining critical minerals. A wide range of items will be accepted free of charge, including cords, cell phones, tablets, rechargeable batteries, lamps, space heaters and yard equipment such as mowers and leaf blowers. Organizers note that rechargeable batteries should never be placed in the trash due to safety concerns. Larger household appliances and electronics, including refrigerators, air conditioners, washers and dryers, dishwashers and televisions, will be accepted for a $20 per-unit fee. For those unable to attend the event, many of these items can also be dropped off during regular business hours at Winneshiek County Recycling. Organizers said the goal is simple: recycle correctly and keep valuable materials in use rather than sending them to the landfill. Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.