Best Buy's Tech it Away program aims to recycle more than 60,000 kilograms of E-waste
Students in Toronto rally to collect the most e-waste in their community
Announcement Highlights:
- Best Buy Canada's Tech it Away program launches Wednesday, October 19 at 4 schools in Toronto - part of the larger program that is also taking place in Vancouver and Calgary
- Last year, the program helped divert more than 53,000 kilograms of E-waste from Canadian landfills
- Participating schools each receive a technology grant
- Since its inception in 2009, students involved in the Tech it Away program have helped keep more than 80 tonnes of E-waste out of landfills
BURNABY, BC, Oct. 12, 2011 /CNW/ - Best Buy is teaming up with 4 schools in Toronto to help those living in the communities in which we operate recycle the several tonnes of electronic waste that are accumulated in Canadian homes each year. Coinciding with Waste Reduction Week, on Wednesday, October 19 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. local residents are encouraged to drop off their used or unwanted personal electronics for free and safe recycling at one of the participating schools for Best Buy's Tech it Away program.
Participating schools will each receive $8,000 in grants for their environmental efforts, plus, as added incentive, the school in each market that collects the most electronics for recycling will receive $2,000 to fund a student-led environmental initiative. Last year participating schools recycled more than 50 tonnes of E-waste and this year the students are aiming to beat that benchmark.
A new element added to this year's campaign is the E-Waste Art Challenge. Using select E-waste materials collected, students are challenged to get creative and work together to construct a sculpture - the winning sculpture will go on display at the Best Buy head office in Burnaby, BC. Other sculptures will be showcased at Best Buy stores across Canada.
WHERE: Best Buy Tech it Away events in Toronto will take place at:
- Lester B Pearson - 150 Tapscott Road M1B 2L2 View on map
- Sir Robert L. Borden BTI - 200 Poplar Road M1E 1Z7 View on map
- Downsview Secondary School - 7 Hawksdale Road M3K 1W3 View on map
- Greenwood Secondary School - 24 Mountjoy Avenue M4J 1J6 View on map
Interview/Photograph Opportunities for consideration:
- Visuals of students and community members piling up their unwanted computers, monitors, TV's and other used electronics
- Interviews with students and volunteers who are building environmental awareness within their community and helping our environment by recycling used electronics
- An interview with a Best Buy spokesperson who can talk about the Tech it Away program and its impact on the community and environment
What:
- Students from 4 schools Toronto will host E-recycling events for their communities at large
- A variety of electronics will be accepted including: TVs, Computers, Laptops, Printers, Cell Phones, Batteries, DVD players and more. A full list available at www.bestbuy.ca/techitaway
When: Wednesday October 19 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
About Best Buy Canada
Best Buy stores in Canada are a division of Burnaby, BC-based Best Buy
Canada Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc.
(NYSE:BBY). We are Canada's fastest-growing retailer and e-tailer of
consumer electronics, computers and entertainment products. With over
70 Best Buy stores across Canada, we offer a unique shopping experience
with the latest technology and entertainment products, at the right
price, with a no-pressure (non-commissioned) sales environment. Every
day our employees are committed to helping deliver technology solutions
that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. We are
keenly aware of our role and impact on the world, and we are committed
to developing and implementing business strategies that bring
sustainable technology solutions to our consumers and communities. For
information about Best Buy Canada, visit www.BestBuy.ca.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Danielle Jang
Best Buy Canada
danjang@bestbuycanada.ca
604-562-5631