Residents are encouraged to drop off any old electronics for recycling next weekend.

The Indianapolis Zoo is offering a Power Recycling Day on Saturday.

The zoo’s Alie Pflum said consumer interest in recycling old electronics has not been increasing along with the consumption for high-tech gadgetry.

“The electronic trash or what I’m going to call e-waste, it only makes up about 2% of trash generated annually in the U.S., but it contributes as much as 70% of overall toxic waste in our environment,” Pflum said.

A report released in 2019 by the United Nations indicated worldwide production of electronic waste is nearly 50 million tons annually, and that figure could reach 120 million tons by 2050.

Batteries, computers, video games, cell phone, tablets and most electronics will be accepted free of charge during the recycling event.  There is a $20 processing fee for televisions and monitors. Large appliances such as washing machines will not be accepted.

Guests can drop off their old electronics for proper disposal from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the zoo’s parking lot. Staff from Technology Recyclers will be onsite for unloading.

All participants will receive a $2 discount off Zoo admission.