Riverbanks is encouraging the community to take action to reduce waste to protect the environment. The zoo and garden's fourth annual Wild About Recycling event will take place Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. The event is a free drop-off for Lexington and Richland County residents.

Wild About Recycling is a community partnership between Lexington and Richland Counties, the City of Columbia and Keep the Midlands Beautiful. A variety of items will be accepted including electronics, paper to shred, scrap metals, tires and used cooking oils. Materials from businesses will not be accepted.

Cell phones and other mobile devices collected during the drop-off will be recycled as part of "Gorillas on the Line," a global initiative aimed at reducing the demand for coltan and protecting gorilla habitats in the wild. Coltan is a mineral found in cell phones and other small electronics that is mined from areas where endangered gorillas live.

Residents are encouraged to arrive early. Wild About Recycling garnered 900 cars through the drop-off area in 2021 with volunteers collecting more than 41 tons of recyclables.

Vehicles can enter the drop-off area from Greystone Boulevard. Residents are asked remain in their vehicles. Volunteers will be on hand to assist with traffic flow and collection of materials.

Additional information is available on Riverbanks’ website or by phone at 803-576-2467.