You can get started on that effort this week at the 19th Annual Grease Drive, which will be held at six locations across Pima County on Saturday, January 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

According to Michael Kazz, president of Grecycle Arizona, this event is a great opportunity to conscientiously recycle holiday grease from your kitchen and deep fryer.https://www.grecycle.com/) is a biofuels company that supplies biodiesel and provides biodiesel feedstock by removing and recycling cooking fats from restaurants, schools, and the military.

Biodiesel, an alternative to diesel, is the only EPA-designated advanced biofuel produced on a commercial scale. Production reaches 1.5 billion gallons a year nationwide, Kaz said.

“Anything left after frying becomes waste. By converting used cooking oil into clean-burning biodiesel, we save on sewers and prevent it from ending up in landfills. , I think it's one of the most effective recycling 'bargains',” Kaz said.

The Grease Drive, conducted in conjunction with the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Authority, has recycled nearly 90,000 pounds of grease since its inception.

“That’s the equivalent of two tanker trucks, so it’s like filling two huge tankers with fuel. Using biodiesel reduces pollution by about 80% compared to diesel fuel. ” said Kaz.

To participate, Pima County residents can transport used grease (once cooled) in purchased containers. A sealed plastic container can also be used for bacon his grease or other greases if the original container is not available.

Drop off locations are as follows: O'Reilly Chevrolet, 6160 E. Broadway Blvd. Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus, 5901 S. Calle Santa Cruz; Pima Community College NW, 7600 N Shannon Rd.; Kin Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way; Pima Community College West, 2202 W. Anklam Rd.; Sahuarita City Hall Complex, 375 W. Sahuarita Way.

“Simply put the grease in a leak-proof container and take it to the drop-off location. It's a short but efficient event,” Kaz said.

We Care Tucson will donate used electronics and medical equipment and supplies to an electronic collection drive on Sunday, January 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the back parking lot of the Jewish Community Center (3800) This provides another effective opportunity to clean and organize your home. E. River Road

Integrated Axis Technology Group will also be hosting a We Care electronics collection event on Monday, January 22nd at 6147 E Grant Rd. In addition, We Care accepts Recycled Saturday items at its facility (3029 N. Stone Ave.) on the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can also donate during business hours on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. , Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m.

“Anything goes. We can embrace it,” said MeMe Aguila, executive director of the nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to information, education and health.

We Care accepts donations of laptops, computers, monitors, cell phones, keyboards, and more. Wipe data, recycle devices, divert them from landfills, and sell refurbished computers to the public at a discount.

“We also have a low-cost computer introduction program for people facing financial hardship, students and those looking to re-enter the workforce,” Aguila said.

The public can also donate computer bags, tablets, fire sticks, VHS and DVD players, gaming systems, and even electric typewriters.

“As long as the TV is not a cathode ray tube (CRT), we will take it back even if it is malfunctioning or does not have a remote control,” Aguila said.

In addition to technology, We Care provides free medical supplies (diapers, incontinence supplies, etc.) to the community and also serves as a loan center for medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, canes, and bedpans.

“Our medical supplies and equipment are free and anyone can come and get what they need. Our aim is to remove barriers for those who are in financial need. “We can't keep certain products on the shelves, including adult incontinence products, because that's what we need most right now,” Aguila said.

He emphasized that adult incontinence products are more expensive than infant diapers and that, unlike many organizations, We Care accepts opened items.

“That's a big deal. If you have a death in the family, or if you have a family member visiting who hasn't used all of their supplies, you receive an opened package. When people need these supplies, I don’t care if it’s opened or not,” Aguila said.

For more information about We Care Tucson's collection events and volunteer opportunities, or to make a cash donation online, please visit: https://www.wecaretucson.org/.

We Care Tucson also qualifies for Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) tax credits. Her QCO tax credit limit for 2023 is $421 for individuals filing jointly in 2023 and $841 for married couples. Donations made before Monday, April 15 can be claimed on your 2023 Arizona income tax return.