April 2023 Branch Stories

1) Story from Suren Sanjay - University Heights Branch

For the month of April, the University Heights Branch collected batteries from local businesses. My brother and I went door-to-door to these businesses and collected the batteries placed in the multiple collection boxes at Fullerton Elks Lodge #1993, Hillcrest Senior Condominiums, and in the Fullerton Towers 1 Business Offices. We also collected batteries in our University Heights neighborhood. In total, we collected 2,199 batteries, about a 52.5 percent increase from our previous collection of 1,442 batteries in March. We are proud of our efforts at the University Heights Branch are making a difference in our community by bringing everyone together to address the growing e-waste problem.

2) Story from David Chiang - Cerritos High Branch

The Cerritos High Branch has been working very hard to collect batteries in many ways. For example, we would go out to the nearby businesses and ask them if we could collect and recycle batteries for them. In one office a lady was very excited and happy to see us because it turned out that she had been collecting batteries for 4 years and didn't want to throw them away. She was very excited and happy to give us her collection to recycle. Another company allowed us to place a basket where we could collect batteries in their lobby. Overall, the Cerritos High Branch values hard work and we believe that with discipline and initiative we can work with our community to impact our environment.

3) Story from Katelyn Gan - Sage Hill Branch

The Newport Beach City Earth Day event on April 22 was a resounding success, co-hosted by Sage Hill Branch, Newport Beach Mayor's Youth Council, CR&R, and California Electronics and PaperCuts. The event offered valuable services such as free document shredding, e-waste disposal, and compost giveaway. Compared to last year's event, the turnout was remarkable, with over 860 residents attending, representing a significant increase of 73%. Notably, TAE Sage Hill Branch also participated in last year's event.

Impressively, the event managed to collect approximately 8,650 pounds of e-waste and 3,526 batteries, while also shredding nearly 32,650 pounds of paper material. Moreover, around 2,600 bags of compost, equivalent to an astounding 77,700 pounds, were distributed to the attendees.