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The Alabama Cooperative Extension – Butler County Office, in collaboration with Greenville resident James Little, hosted the inaugural TRASHIN’ the County, Butler County’s premier Earth Day recycling event on Saturday, Apr. 20, at the Greenville Elementary School parking lot. The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., aimed to celebrate all things green and sustainable with a one-day Earth Day celebration. 

Highlights included a drive-thru recycling drop-off for electronics and some home appliances, a drug take-back and a canned food drive for local food banks. County residents were encouraged to “clean up and clear out” for Earth Day 2024.

The event was a resounding success, with significant contributions from the community. Sharlean Briggs, Butler County Extension Coordinator, expressed her delight at the outcome. “The residents of Butler County helped make our first Trashin’ the County recycling event a resounding success,” she said.

In total, 250 pounds of medications were collected by the Greenville Police Department through their drug take-back program. Additionally, 250 pounds of donated food were collected for Joseph’s Ministries, including what was collected at Fort Dale Academy with the help of the Key Club. An additional 3,304 pounds of e-waste and metal were collected in partnership with Sabel Steel from Montgomery.

James Little, event co-organizer, reflected on the event’s impact.

“To see in action what doesn’t yet exist in Butler County and help bring an idea like recycling to life is gratifying,” Little said. “This journey started conversations about sustainability with residents who are wanting more recycling options and have inspired others to want more, one little turn at a time. As we look to expand from the foundation we created this year, we will continue the conversation around sustainability efforts within Butler County over the next year and beyond.”

Organizers extended their gratitude to partners Sabel Steel, Joseph Ministries, Lifeline Church, The Greenville Advocate, and the Greenville Police Department for their support. Briggs emphasized the importance of e-waste recycling.

“Today, e-waste recycling protects natural resources and is easy and widely available. E-waste continues to increase with greater use of digital technology,” Briggs said. “Recycling e-waste helps to reduce pollution and find other uses for the recycled materials.”