Bring hard-to-recycle items to Defenders' Earth Day event

On Saturday, April 18, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will once again co-sponsor the county-wide Earth Day Celebration with the McHenry County Conservation District from11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MCCD's Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake.

The event is held both indoors and out and will go on rain or shine.

A regular service by the Defenders at this annual event is the opportunity for people to bring in hard-to-recycle items.

With the help of their partner, Chicago Logistic Services, the Defenders will accept electronics and small appliances, microwaves (which must be clean), clean Styrofoam, packing peanuts, re-useable bubble wrap, Christmas lights, fluorescent tubes, athletic shoes, clothing, VHS tapes, CDs, cassettes, and household batteries will also be collected. A donation is requested to offset the costs of recycling these items.

No smoke detectors, medical devices or console TVs will be accepted.

In addition to recycling, there will be live music, including two performances by Joe Reilly at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., guided nature hikes, puppet shows, games and crafts, and more than 20 environmental exhibitors. Food and beverage vendors will be on site or bring your own "no waste" picnic lunch.

Carpool to the event with friends to enter the raffle for a free picnic shelter reservation.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, now in its 45th year, is a nonprofit citizen organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. Recycling activities began almost from the organization's inception, because it was one of the best ways to handle the growing solid waste problem. It also served as a source of funds for the group's educational activities. For more information on the Defenders, visit www.mcdef.org.