Spring Cleaning: Recycling Events Around the Community This Weekend

What's in your closet and garage? Certainly you have at least a few things ready to be reused or recycled. Both Sammamish and Issaquah have some great events coming up this weekend to help you clear out the cobwebs at home and in the community and get ready for summer.

Sammamish Events

ARAS Bike Drive, April 28 and 29: A ninth grader from Eastside Catholic is teaming up with Sammamish to help gather bikes to send to Africa. If you live in the lowlands or Issaquah, bring your bikes to the French Immersion School of Washington on Saturday April 28, where Tinuola Dada, of Sammamish, has arranged a donation day in coordination with ARAS from noon to 3 p.m. Dada, a former student at FISW, said she and her mom were looking for volunteer opportunities and decided it would be a great idea to offer a second location for the donations since a lot of people don't live on the Plateau.

Bikes will be collected at , 801 228^th Ave SE, on Sunday, April 29, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The main form of transportation in Ghana is walking and the lucky ones who own a bike can save hours in the day and devote that time to crop tending, which produces more food for their families or to sell at market, going to school or spending more time with their families. Please donate your unwanted bike and help us collect more bikes by asking your neighbors, relatives and friends. Consider holding a bike drive in your neighborhood, school, places of worship and work etc. This is a great project for clubs and scout troops too. Bikes/bike parts are being collected between now and Sunday April 29th.  Call 425 868 8448 or email mary@arasfoundation.org to find out where to drop off your bike before April 29th. Donations are tax deductible.

Sammamish Spring Recycling Event & Bin Sale: On Sunday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at and elementary schools, residents are invited to bring a variety of materials for recycling. At Discovery, electronic equipment and televisions will be accepted. At Sunny Hills,  an array of materials from motor oil to mattresses will be accepted (see the attached pdf for a full list). 

"Spring Cleaning" at Illahee Trail, April 28: Volunteer to help with cleanup at Illahee Trail, Saturday, April 28 9am-12pm, NE 8th and 235th PL NE. This park, located near Inglewood Junior High has been completely renovated by the hard work of volunteers. Once overran by blackberry and scotch bloom, the park is now home to many native plants and attracts birds from all over. This event is led by volunteer stewards trained by the Washington Native Plant Society.

Volunteers will be working with stewards and staff to continue removal of invasive plants and add native plants that will enhance this area.

This event can use younger volunteers (13 and under) as long as they are accompanied by a parent. Dress for the weather, and wear boots or closed toe shoes and bring work gloves. Volunteers are also requested to bring their favorite planting and weeding tools. Most of the plants will be at least one gallon, so larger shovels are preferred. Make sure to put your name on all tools. Register by clicking the link above or contacting Dawn Sanders at dsanders@ci.sammamish.wa.us or 425.295.0556.

Issaquah

Take Back Prescription Medication Day April 28: Saving unused or expired medication is a bad idea that can lead to improper and illegal use. There is a safe and responsible way, however, to dispose of old and leftover medicine that protects your family and our environment.

The , in partnership with the DEA, is hosting a take-back event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way. For more information on the program, click here.

In addition, specifically Issaquah residents can drop off their unused or expired medications anytime from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at the police department. For more information about that program, click here.

Downtown Issaquah Spring Cleanup April 28: It’s time for the annual Spring Cleaning for Downtown Issaquah. The Downtown Issaquah Association is looking for a few good citizens to make a difference by spending a couple of hours pushing a broom, swinging a shovel or planting some flowers. At 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, the group will be gathering at the Hailstone Feed Store (historic Shell Station) at 232 Front Street to get assignments for the morning. Students can earn community service hours. Bring a friend, bring some gloves. The association will provide tools.

Patch Canvas Tote Giveaway April 29: Want to recycle all those old plastic shopping bags? Come meet Sammamish-Issaquah Patch at the on Sunday, April 29, from noon -2 p.m. We'll be giving the first 100 shoppers a free canvas shopping bag.