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The National Center for Appropriate Technology, or NCAT, kicked off its electronics recycling event Tuesday by visiting local institutions such as Montana Tech and St. James Healthcare to collect any scrap electronic devices. On Wednesday residents could drop off their old and unused electronics.

Everything from old console television sets to obsolete computers were dropped off at the NCAT recycling event. All residents had to do is pull their cars up to the staging area and a crew of workers and volunteers unloaded the equipment.

Many of the electronic devices contain high levels of dangerous elements such as lead and mercury, and when disposed of in landfills, can pollute groundwater sources. For between $5 to $40 residents could hand over the items to safely be recycled. For some the benefit outweighed the cost.

"Well, for me, I just can't stand the thoughts of just throwing this stuff in the landfill. I think we are filling up way too fast with all of our garbage, and you know, if we can recycle in any way and be green, that's cool," one person said.

The collection from area businesses filled an entire 53-foot trailer. With residents contributions, the program shows signs of becoming a staple of Butte's efforts to be eco-friendly

"I think it's been amazing, you know I would say, because this is our fifth year, and I would say we have had more hitting early this year, and we'll see how it pans out the rest of the day, but they've really been coming in early," Mary Anne Skuletich said.

"We have folks that comeback year after year and are calling to ask what day it is, so they're now getting use to it. People appreciate it," Marcia Brown said.

The recycling event ended at 6 p.m.