Soft plastics, Styrofoam collection scheduled for June 22

LACONIA — The next soft plastics recycling collection will be held Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Volunteers from the Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian Universalist congregation and the Laconia/Gilford Lions Club will be curbside in front of the church at 172 Pleasant St. in Laconia to collect donated clean, soft, dry plastics.

Additionally, for the first time a Styrofoam collection will also be held. Only Styrofoam products with a #6 symbol can be accepted. Acceptable items include: all size #6 coolers, clean meat & produce trays, egg cartons (any color), packing blocks, clean #6 plates & cups, food clam shells or trays, coffee cups. Volunteers cannot accept pipe insulation, bubble wrap or thin foam wrap, packing peanuts, soft or squishy foam, eggcrate foam layer, craft foam, foam board insulation, any dirty foam products. All foam must be clean & dry.

"This effort is to use and promote the Styrofoam recycling machine at the Gilford Solid Waste Center," said Green Sanctuary Co-Chair Inez Andrews. "There is a lack of awareness and some misunderstanding about that facility, which we want to address."

There is no charge or fee to drop off unwanted plastics or Styrofoam. Since the Styrofoam and plastics will be delivered to different locations, all Styrofoam and plastics must be kept separate from each other.

At the same location & time, the Lions & the UU Social Justice Committee will also be holding a pet food drive benefiting the Community Action Program pantry.

"The CAP pantry includes a pet food section for people struggling to support their animals," said Lion Carol Dow. "For instance, disabled folks who have service animals or seniors with pet companions. We are glad to help them during a period when donations are particularly needed."