St. John's News

St. John's was once again the site of the New York City Department of Sanitation (DOS) Queens Recycling Event on May 3 at the University’s Queens Campus. Some 2,054 Queens County community residents drove through the Carnesecca Arena parking lot to drop off electronics and clothing to be properly recycled or re-distributed by the DOS.

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Hundreds of computer monitors, printers, stereos, televisions and other electronic items were stacked high and loaded onto trucks bound for recycling facilities.

St. John's University had hosted the fall 2007 Queens Recycling Event and collected the greatest tonnage of electronic items of all the New York City Boroughs. In view of that success, the University’s Office of Community Relations was asked to host the enormous collection day again in spring 2008.

The numbers were similar to a year ago, with a record attendance and collections of electronics (65 tons), clothing (33.75 tons) and cell phones (254 pounds) taken in to add to an impressive ledger of items received on the day.

This eco-friendly event reinforces the University’s role as a leader in the metropolitan area in meeting the Mayoral Challenge for Climate Change, and contributing to a sustainable future and a cleaner environment.  

Joseph Sciame, Vice-President for Community Relations, stated: “This willingness on the part of the University to play host to such a borough wide initiative indicates the fact that we definitely are a part of the community and are good neighbors, thereby enhancing recycling efforts and working towards a healthier environment for all.”

A special feature of this recycling day is the effort by DOS to collect used cell phones and accessories on behalf of Verizon’s Hopeline Program and the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence.  Eventually, these items will be distributed to women’s shelters to assist women who have been victims of violence.

In addition to the electronics recycling efforts, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and North New Jersey, Inc. collected clothing donations. 

For more information on Office of Community Relations events, call (718) 990-1941 or visit www.stjohns.edu/community.