The registration deadline for the 2025 NextStep Electronics Recycling Competition is rapidly approaching. 

Schools interested in participating must register at wastewiselane.org/ERC by December 13.

Waste Wise Lane County—part of the Lane County Waste Management Division—is coordinating with NextStep Recycling to organize the annual competition, which will run from January 7 to March 20, 2025. 

The contest challenges schools to recycle electronic waste (e-waste). Those that recycle the most e-waste can win grants of up to $500, a NextStep Reuse Store computer gift certificate, and a recognition award.

Last year, 18 Lane County schools collected 13,269 pounds. NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz hopes to greatly increase that number this year.

“We invite everyone who has broken, unwanted, or unused electronics in their home to give them to students for the competition,” said Ahrenholtz. “Collected electronics will be recycled properly or repaired and given to community members who need them, instead of just sitting in the closet or garage.”

Ahrenholtz said Lane County schools are invited to participate, but registrants do need school principals to approve the registration.

Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).

Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

About Waste Wise Lane County

WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com

About NextStep Recycling

NextStep offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste.

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