As part of a continuing effort to avoid filling landfills with electronic devices that contain toxic metals, and as a means to encourage reuse and recycling, Clean Green Rush recently sponsored the fifth local eScrap collection effort in two years and the second collection of 2008.

According to Rush County Solid Waste Director Carole Yeend, the final tally listed 81 residents who participated.

A variety of items were collected.

“We collected an estimated 9,000 pounds in less than three hours,” Yeend said.

Volunteers Susan Houston, Ashley Meyer and FFA member Arika Yager worked the line of vehicles and greeted contributors while gaining signatures on resident certification sheets. They also handed out plastic funnels made of recycled materials as a thank you and a reminder to call the Rush County Solid Waste District for information.

Rushville Consolidated High School FFA members Jake Hoeing, Curtis Schwering, Jake Hall, Mason Laker, Jamison Turner and Brandon Meyer provided muscle for unloading vehicles and packing skids that included console televisions and stereos. Also helping were Gabe Caldwell, Ken Masters, Tim Wehr, Reno Gosser and Yeend.

Yeend said the success of the event was also due to the help and support of the Rush County Sheriff’s Department, Tweedy Lumber Do-It Best Center, Curtis Brothers, Back’s TV and Appliances, Rushville Republican, Rushville Street Department, Rush County Highway Department, CGS Services, Inc. and Abrams Trucking.

Individuals and organizations wishing to assist in the next or upcoming projects are asked to contact Yeend at (765) 938-1342.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.