OKEMOS, MI - Don't throw it away, it can be used in some other way; was the motto for the day. Meridian Township isn't new to the recycling scene, this is the 10th year for the well organized event.

Car after car pulled into the parking lot at Chippewa Middle School on the sunny Saturday morning, eager to recycle unwanted items. The recycle event was a great way to get rid of unwanted items but also a way to dispose of hazardous waste materials.

A long line emerged with many people wanting to recycle paint. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 10 percent of the house paint purchased in the U.S. each year is discarded. Subsequently the leftover and unused paint that is disposed of improperly causing pollution for the environment.

Various items were collected including electronics, furniture, bikes, household items, and medicines. Many were happy to know that their items would go on to help some one else.

Non-profit organization "Share-a-Bike" was present to collect bikes. The organization has given away thousands of bikes in previous years, with the goal to provide functional & free bikes to adults and children in need.

Other organizations at the event included MSU Bikes, Goodwill and the Salvation Army.

The event was accompanied with an estimate of at least 80 volunteers. The event had a large turn out with recyclable donations from Township residents and Non-Township residents. Recycling and Energy Coordinator LeRoy Harvey says that planning and preparation for the next the Recycling Event has already began. The next Meridian Township Regional Recycling Event is scheduled to happen in Spring 2018.