Fuller Industries Inc., a Great Bend-based commercial cleaning product manufacturer, seeks to decrease its environmental footprint wherever possible.
Continuing in the vein, Fuller has partnered with Rosewood Services of Great Bend’s ECycle program to dispose of four containers of electrical devices damaged during the July 2023 hailstorm that flooded the plant west of town.
Rosewood personnel brought a trailer to the plant Monday afternoon, and the boxes were loaded onto them with a forklift.
Also, as part of Fuller’s ongoing, green-based initiatives, the company recycles tons of cardboard and plastic materials, and produces Monopods and Micro-E products, and has garnered environmental certifications.
“Fuller continually strives to be a leader in the area of environmentally friendly efforts,” said Fuller General Manager Joe Mann. “By working with Rosewood, we are making sure these items don’t end up in the landfill, and at the same time, we are supporting an important local program.”
This equipment, the technology that kept the company humming before the storm, had been stacked in the warehouse collecting dust.
The cleanup has been a long and tedious process, Mann said. “There are still boxes of plastics and other damaged goods to find homes for, but we are on the home stretch finally.”
“Getting rid of these crates helps clear space for other, more relevant, uses,” he said. “And. It is nice to just get this stuff out of here.”
Rosewood ECycle accepts computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, laptops, televisions, video game consoles, DVD players and VCRs, cameras, cell phones, telephone equipment and just about any other electronic device. One can receive a tax deduction receipt when you drop off working electronic equipment for resale.
“Rosewood ECycle carries out a powerful dual mission that strengthens both the environment and the community,” said Rosewood Public Relations Director Michael Dawes. “By collecting and recycling the region’s broken, outdated, and discarded electronics, Rosewood ECycle helps keep central Kansas cleaner, greener, and free from hazardous e‑waste.”
Each month, the Rosewood ECycle team processes about 3,000 pounds of electronics, he said. Over the past seven years, the operation has grown steadily by partnering with local businesses, government agencies, and schools across central Kansas, and through contributions from individuals.
The program also provides meaningful employment for Rosewood clients with developmental disabilities. and to build skills, confidence, and purpose.
In addition, People can drop off their electronics for recycling at Rosewood Maintenance Building, 2200 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can also drop off products at Rosewood Bargain Barn, 1215 Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
