FARMINGTON – A special event, “Earth Day Every Day!” could help area residents recycle electronics or “e-waste.”

Members of Old South First Congregational Church are organizing the day for collection and recycling of old and broken electronics, said Debbie Davis-Robinson, church member.

E-waste will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 6 in the Farmington Aubuchon Hardware’s parking lot on Wilton Road, Routes 2 and 4. This is not just for Farmington but all area residents may bring their items to be recycled for free. The church will accept donations for their community service, outreach and youth programs, she said.

The church is partnering with eWaste Recycling Solutions LLC of Auburn, which will bring a team to pack and transport televisions, computers, monitors and other electronic devices.

Although an annual Earth Day celebration was held in April, church members are interested in promoting responsible recycling as indicated by the event title, Earth Day Every Day! she said. It’s a community service to raise awareness as well as a fundraiser for the church, said Davis-Robinson, who is chairwoman of the church’s fundraising committee.

When the church’s youth pastor, Sueli Gaewsky, learned of ERS holding similar collections recently in Augusta and another in Bangor, a group at the church, Justice and Witness, took interest in promoting the act of being responsible caretakers of the Earth.

“The group (Justice and Witness) essentially brings the church mission into the wider world,” said Chris Magri, who co-leads with Sherry Jenckes. “Lately we’ve been thinking about the environment, and this seemed like a good thing to get into. It will also help raise awareness among the congregation.”

Six tractor-trailer loads of electronics were collected at the Bangor Mall, Davis-Robinson said.

Maine is one of the few states that mandates that e-waste is recycled. Proper recycling and disposal of e-waste removes tons of hazardous waste like lead, cadmium and mercury that otherwise is often buried or incinerated, she said.

ERS, approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, will man the collection site at no cost to the church and Aubuchon’s manager graciously offered to allow the collection to be set up at the store.

Old South members will help with traffic, parking and unloading vehicles. The primary focus is on collecting electronic devices such as televisions, monitors and computers, items that would bear a significant cost to turn into local transfer stations. Other electronic items, including light bulbs and ink cartridges, will also be accepted, she said. A detailed list of items is available at www.ewaste.com.

Businesses interested in the June 6 event should contact Rick Clark, ERS at 449-1709.

For more information, contact Old South church at 778-0424, ext. 3.