By Faridat Salifu
An e-waste recycling campaign in Detroit, United States, is encouraging residents to dispose of unwanted electronic devices responsibly while supporting gorilla conservation.
The Detroit Zoo, in partnership with WDIV, will hold its “Gorillas on the Line” e-waste collection event on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the zoo’s main entrance.
The 12-hour event, running from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., will collect handheld electronic devices for recycling as part of conservation efforts supporting gorillas.
The initiative highlights the connection between electronic waste and wildlife conservation, particularly because materials used in electronic devices can be linked to mining activities that affect natural habitats.
Residents who donate at least one eligible handheld electronic device will receive a free ticket to the Detroit Zoo, with one ticket provided for each person making a donation.
The event forms part of WDIV’s “Go 4 It” initiative and is designed to encourage residents to keep unwanted electronics out of waste streams while contributing to conservation efforts.
By directing used electronics towards recycling, the campaign seeks to give discarded devices another use while raising awareness about the environmental consequences associated with electronic consumption and disposal.
The partnership also demonstrates how e-waste collection programmes can connect everyday consumer behaviour with broader environmental and wildlife conservation efforts.
