You know the drill. You have an old TV hanging around, maybe a laptop that doesn't work and a vintage table lamp that your significant other just can't stand.
You want to recycle all this stuff because you know how powerfully electronics impact the environment when they end up in the garbage. But what do you do? Some places take some things, other places take others, and the whole procedure is generally a hassle.
But actually, there is one place in Penticton that handles just about everything. It's been in the recycling game for a couple decades now, and it's conveniently located downtown.
On top of that, it extends the life of items it can save, then resells them to bargain hunters at a fraction of their original price. Furthermore, it hires folks who otherwise face barriers to employment.
The name of the organization is PACE (Penticton and Area Cooperative Enterprises). And it's ready to serve.
PentictonNow stopped by the PACE headquarters earlier this week and were taken immediately by the way cool selection of vintage gear on the shelves. We found an old-school Panasonic boombox for just $25, a gorgeous 70s-era Sansui receiver for $120 and tons of other goodies.
When we finally stopped geeking out, we asked PACE employment director Tracy McGrath what the facility accepts. And the response was quick.
"Basically anything you can plug in or runs on batteries," she laughed.
But we wanted more detail because we know what it's like to hunt around for recycling depots. And we got it.
The list includes but is not limited to kitchen appliances (coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, toaster ovens, slow cookers, deep fryers, blenders, etc.), general household appliances (electric fans, vacuums, space heaters, clocks and alarm clocks, table and standup lamps, carpet cleaners, humidifiers, sewing machines, smoke alarms, etc.), audio-video gear (TVs, audio systems and components, speakers, power bars and surge protectors, CDs and DVDs, remote controls, etc.), and computer and office gear (desktop PCs and components, monitors, mice, keyboards, networking equipment, laptops, printers, paper shredders, telephones, headphones, etc.).
But that's not all. PACE also accepts power tools, power gardening tools, powered kids toys like remote-controlled race cars, cell phones, antique radios, and more.
Other no-no's (and there aren't many) include large appliances like ovens and fridges, anything that contains Freon, and light bulbs.
If an item is unsalvageable, PACE will recycle it through the proper channels and make sure it stays out of the landfill. But if it still has some life in it, PACE's Tech Department manager, Scott, will test and/or refurbish it for on-site resale.
"Working with electronics is my passion," he said. "I'll do some quality control checks and make sure everything fires up and functions, put an attractive price on them and put them on the shelf.
"As for computers specifically, we do a great job. We don’t let other people's data out of here, we don't condone software piracy, and we do fresh installs of Windows."
PACE even offers a 30-day warranty on the computers it sells. And while there's no official warranty on other electronics, they do say they'll offer refunds if a customer buys a product, takes it home, and finds it doesn’t work.
"But that almost never happens," added Scott.
Yet PACE isn't just a recycling centre and bargain-packed electronics warehouse. It's also a social enterprise -- a for-profit cooperative where revenues are invested back into creating more opportunities for social and environmental impact.
It provides meaningful job opportunities for community members that face various barriers to employment, including mental health challenges.
"The best thing about PACE is the workers," said operations manager Stacey Rexin. "These are people who have not only overcome multiple obstacles, but are using their lived experiences to make this community a better place.
"When a person is employed at PACE they become more financially independent and experience an improved sense of self-worth and overall wellness, which is reflected in a more positive and inclusive community culture."
To check out PACE's awesome electronics and computer store, or to drop off both unsalvageable and potentially resalable items, get to the PACE HQ Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm and Friday from 10 to 2.
For straight-up recycling (including batteries and yes, even mattresses), you can also drop off items during PACE off-hours at the Campbell Mountain Landfill.
"When you go through the landfill, you tell them what you're dropping off and they'll direct you there," said McGrath.
You'll find PACE at 105 Martin St. (the entrance is just around the corner on Estabrook Avenue). For more information, check out the PACE website here, email them at [email protected], or give them a call at 250-276-4163.
More on PACE and upcoming events, like their community recycling day later this summer, in a future update.
