SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Berrien County Parks Department is preparing to host its first community recycling event of the year in April, offering residents a convenient way to responsibly dispose of difficult-to-recycle materials.

According to Parks Director Jill Adams, the county organizes several recycling events annually, most of which are free for local residents. The initiative aims to divert environmentally harmful items from landfills by collecting materials that typically cannot be placed in regular curbside recycling bins.

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Items accepted at the events include household chemicals, electronics, foam products, paper documents for secure shredding, and bicycles. The program also accepts paint and other specialty waste streams that require careful handling and disposal.

While most materials can be dropped off at no cost, certain items carry a small fee. Televisions require a $20 recycling fee, while monitors and items containing freon cost $10 each due to the specialized processing required.

Adams noted that the events are funded through landfill tipping fees rather than local taxes. Landfills support the initiative because keeping hazardous or complex waste out of disposal sites helps reduce environmental risks.

The next recycling event is scheduled for April 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor.