Free electronics recycling event in West Union helps reduce electronic waste

Adams County and the Village of West Union are partnering with EcoTech Revival to host a free electronics recycling event Friday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the West Union Water Department, previously the Ohio Department of Transportation garage, located at 11700 SR 41. The event is open to individuals and businesses and is intended to provide a safe, reliable alternative to tossing obsolete electronics into household trash or informal disposal streams.

EcoTech Revival, described by county officials as a specialist in reusing, repurposing and reengineering electronic waste, will accept a broad range of devices at the site. Items listed for collection include laptops, desktop computers, computer accessories, servers, Wi Fi and network equipment, monitors, printers and ink, cameras and other security equipment, VoIP phones, point of sale systems, cell phones, tablets, medical equipment devices, power cords and adapters, office supplies, gaming systems, projectors, speakers and amplifiers, docking stations and Internet of Things sensors.

EcoTech Revival emphasizes reuse before recycling as a way to prolong device life and benefit local communities. “Our mission is to put devices back into society, particularly serving the special needs community,” said company representatives. “We prioritize Reuse and Repurposing over Recycling, embodying the core values of sustainability in our business model.” The organization also highlights data security, providing erasure services that meet industry standard guidelines, including Department of Defense or NIST protocols.

Local contact Bill Lewis, who provides IT support for both the Village and the County Engineer’s Office, said the event grew from community interest and outreach earlier this year. He noted the drop off is open to any and all residents who need to dispose of electronics, and said, “I hope this will all work out well.” Residents with questions may call the Adams County Engineer’s Office at (937) 544 2943 or the Village of West Union at (937) 544 2515.

The event carries public health and environmental significance for Adams County. Proper collection and treatment of electronic waste reduces the risk that heavy metals and chemical components will contaminate soil and water, which can affect drinking water sources and farm land. Secure data erasure also protects individuals, small businesses and local institutions from identity theft and data breaches that can have long term financial and social consequences.

Beyond immediate disposal needs, the partnership raises questions about access and equity. Free local events lower cost barriers for seniors, low income households and small nonprofits that may lack safe disposal options. Reuse programs that direct refurbished devices to underserved community members can help close digital divides that affect education, employment and health care access.

By offering both reuse pathways and secure recycling, the West Union event aims to protect community health, secure personal data, and extend the useful life of electronics while reducing the environmental burden of electronic waste.