MCPC Promotes e-Recycling on World Gorilla Day to Help Protect Gorilla Habitats

Cleveland, OH – September 1, 2021 — MCPC, the Cleveland-based global endpoint company, is partnering with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Cleveland Zoo Society to promote electronics recycling as one way to help protect gorillas in the wild.

MCPC will debut its “Go Green Machine” e-recycling truck at the Zoo on World Gorilla Day, Friday, September 24, 2021, from 10a – 2p to accept old, unused, and broken electronics to be recycled.

“We are excited to have the MCPC “Go Green Machine” in the community,” says Mike Trebilcock, MCPC Chairman & Founder. “Proper e-waste recycling is not only important for businesses but also for our environment. The idea of this truck came to us a few years ago, and we’re thrilled to kick start it with our partners at the Cleveland Zoo because when electronics are recycled, we decrease the need to disturb gorilla habitats to mine for coltan.”

Coltan, or columbite-tantalite, is a mineral found in the earth that is an important component used to power small electronics, like cell phones. It takes about 75 pounds of mined minerals to make one smartphone, and the mining of some of these minerals can contribute to gorilla habitat destruction and military and economic conflict.

Fortunately, unused electronics can be recycled, which keeps them out of landfills and allows the minerals inside to be reclaimed and sold to make new electronic devices. MCPC uses money earned through e-recycling at its Secure Technology Asset Disposition (STAD) Center located in Old Brooklyn to support gorilla conservation.

Cleveland area residents can help by recycling unused electronics with MCPC and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Friday, September 24 from 10am to 2pm. Electronic devices accepted at the event include:

  • Desktop & laptop computers
  • LCD monitors
  • Mobile devices (smartphones, cell phones, tablets)
  • Data storage devices
  • Networking devices (routers, switches, hubs)
  • Printers and fax machines
  • Peripherals (keyboards, mice, docking stations) 

Items NOT accepted include:

  • CRT monitors and televisions
  • Light bulbs
  • Medical or laboratory equipment
  • Household appliances
  • Bulk batteries