YORKTON — Two Yorkton students are hoping to keep unwanted electronics out of landfills while making a difference in their community through a student-led e-waste collection campaign.
Danica Kyowskiok and Chaitasi Bhato, both entering Grade 12 this fall, have organized Yorkton E-Waste as part of the Electronic Products Recycling Association's (EPRA) scholarship competition, which encourages students to collect electronic waste and promote responsible recycling.
The pair are collecting everything from computers and keyboards to cellphones, gaming consoles and cables. Residents can drop off items at Westview United Church's parking lot on Aug. 29 or arrange pickup between Aug. 24 and 27.
Kyowskiok said the project was inspired by the scholarship program's focus on environmental stewardship and community engagement.
"They just encourage students to collect waste in their community, make sure it goes to a good place, and then they award scholarships for those who are able to make the most impact in their communities," she said.
For Bhato, the campaign also addresses a problem many households face.
"Around my house there's so much electronic waste and we just don't know what to do with it," she said. "We saw this sort of problem and thought it would be really cool to do something of our own."
Bhato said organizing the campaign has provided valuable experience beyond environmental awareness.
"It requires so many different things. You have to market. You have to pick up all these items, and so it's been a really good experience," she said.
According to campaign materials, discarded electronics are the fastest-growing solid waste stream in the world, making recycling an increasingly important part of waste management.
The students say they hope strong community participation will not only help reduce e-waste but also highlight Yorkton's commitment to environmental responsibility.
After graduation, Kyowskiok plans to pursue aerospace engineering and hopes to attend the University of Toronto, while Bhato is considering a career in marine engineering through the Canadian Armed Forces.
The scholarship competition concludes with a report submission later this fall, with winners expected to be announced in the months that follow.
Residents seeking more information can contact the organizers through the social media or by email at yorktonewaste@gmail.com.
