In addition to recycling common objects such as plastic bottles and cardboard boxes, Island visitors will have a chance to reduce the amount of uncommon items sent to landfills.

Coinciding with America Recycles Day, the South Padre Island Environmental Health Services Department (EHSD) is hosting the 10th annual Recycle Land Saturday, Nov. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will be held at the Community Center at 4501 Padre Blvd.

Attendees will be able to drop off several recyclable items which include appliances, beads, buttons, batteries, corks, copper, clothing, dishes, flags, fabric, keys, household American light bulbs, ink cartridges, lace, monofilament fishing line, phone books, syringes, tennis shoes, watches and wooden frames.

In addition to music and recycling opportunities, the event will have exhibits and educational activities.

“We wanted to do something fun that would educate the community about the importance of recycling to take care of our delicate environment,” SPI Environmental Health Director Victor Baldovinos said. “For us, it’s really important to not only educate the public, but also, to offer assistance in recycling in ways that help people.”

Baldovinos said recycled Nike shoes will be taken to outlets where they will be resoled and sent to third world countries.

Additionally, Baldovinos said recycled bottles will be shipped to Monterey, Mexico, where they will be repurposed into objects such as benches that will be sold to pay for kids’ cancer treatments.

As an organizer of the event, Baldovinos said he is excited to offer it to the community and make a big impact in the world.

“If you go around the state, people know South Padre Island,” Baldovinos said. “It’s our prized jewel and we want to do everything that we can to protect it with the one goal of having the cleanest beach in the nation and for me that’s really important.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT — 10th annual Recycle Land

WHEN — Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon

WHERE — Community Center 4501 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island

For questions, contact the Environmental Health Services Department (EHSD) at (956) 761-8123.

Alana Hernandez