2026 School Electronic Recycling competition seeks to build on record-setting 2025 campaign
Registration is now open for Lane County schools interested in participating in the 2026 Electronics Recycling Competition. Schools must register at wastewiselane.org/ERC by December 12.
The competition (January 6-April 24, 2026) is a joint effort between Lane County schools, NextStep Recycling, and Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management.
Schools that recycle the most “e-waste” will win grants of up to $500 from Lane County Waste Management, a NextStep Reuse Store gift certificate, and a special recognition award.
During the 2025 competition, a record 48 schools collected 41,491 pounds of e-waste.
“We hope to build on the success of the 2025 campaign,” said NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz. “If you are a student, parent, teacher, administrator, or former school alumnus who wants to help your school gain waste prevention recognition, please tell your school’s principal about the competition.”
Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).
Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.
About Waste Wise Lane County
WasteWise Lane County offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more about repair resources at fixitlanecounty.com
About NextStep Recycling
NextStep offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste.