Zero Waste Efforts -- Plus CFL Lightbulb, Cell Phone, Car Battery Recycling, Ink Cartridge Recycling

Nevada EcoNet is planning waste reduction efforts called "Erase Your Trace" for Earth Day. This program diverts nearly all of the waste from communitypp events, keeping it from clogging the City's refuse disposal system. At Nevada EcoNet, we would like to see Erase Your Trace efforts at ALL special events in northern Nevada because the program is very successful at eliminating irresponsible waste. Make sure to check in on our Erase Your Trace scoreboard at the Earth Day Event. The results are impressive! The individual that guesses the closest weight in our "Zero Waste Trash Contest" will win a Laser Printer donated by Reno's Rapid Refill Inc. In addition to recycling glass, plastic, aluminum and cardboard, compost bins will be placed throughout the event for the disposal of food waste, paper, and the biodegradable utensils, plates, napkins and cups from our food court. Nevada EcoNet ensures that all food court serving ware fits into one of these zero waste categories.

Compostable and Biodegradable Cups and Utensils provided by Whole Foods Marketplace and New Belgium Brewing Co.

Nevada EcoNet organizes a zero waste workshop that is free for Earth Day event volunteers. We are also happy to help plan school or community projects on this topic.

Attendees of the 2009 Reno Earth Day can drop off old CFL or other fluorescent light-bulbs at Earth Day. NV Energy's plan for these bulbs will ensure responsible handling, and guarantee that recyclers can capture the trace amounts of mercury that are found in all fluorescent bulbs. NV Energy will be collecting these bulbs at their Earth Day booth.

Also, attendees will be able to drop off their old cell phones, which contain toxic substances such as cadmium, arsenic and lead, for recycling free of charge at the Nevada EcoNet Booth in front of the California Building.

Car battery recycling is also available at the Reno High School parking lot, courtesy of AAA Nevada and Auto Guardian -- drop off your old car battery and then walk or take the shuttle to Earth Day!

You can bring in your old ink cartridges, which contain materials that make them unsuitable for ordinary disposal, and Rapid Refill Inc. will collect them for recycling. Drop of your ink cartridges at their Earth Day booth..