You can recycle just about anything at the City of Mercer Island’s annual Spring Recycling Event, even the kitchen sink as long as it’s porcelain (and toilets, too).

The recycling event behind City Hall is this Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., nearly a month since the 35th Earth Day on April 22, a day recognizing the importance of clean water, air and sustainability of the earth’s natural resources.

The items accepted at the event range from the hard to get rid of, such as tires and appliances, to the hazardous, such as motor oil, antifreeze and household batteries.

Though much is accepted at the event, there are some things that will not be collected, including yard waste, paint, household chemicals and furniture. Check out the King County Web site, www.metrokc.gov, for other recycling programs.

The recycling event is a wonderful service provided by the city every year and is a reminder of how important environmental issues are to Mercer Island residents.

Electronic equipment, such as computers, printers and fax machines, is also accepted at the event and will be recycled as metal. The acceptance of such material is a reminder that as much as technology can help improve our lives, it can also be hazardous as we replace outdated items with the latest and greatest. So-called e-waste can contaminate ground water since much of it includes lead, mercury and other dangerous materials.

In addition to the city’s popular event, for which people line up in their cars along Gallagher Hill Road to drop off their stuff, the Mercer Island Recycling Center is always busy. There’s even a biodiesel pump at the recycling depot for the conscientious driver with the car to use that fuel. Students raising money to send the high school band to the Rose Bowl will do their part, recycling the water they use in their upcoming car wash fund-raiser next month.

As summer approaches and people are out to enjoy our parks and lake, let’s remember why we live here and stay committed to caring for the environment.