It’s recycling with an added punch. That’s the mission of the month-long recycling drive sponsored by the Lawrence Soil and Water Conservation District that will take all those pieces of scrap paper and dented aluminum cans and turn them into ammunition for the fight against breast cancer.

“We’ve talked in the past about doing something for the community, giving back in some way,” Carrie Yaniko, urban/education specialist for the district, said. “Our banquet is Oct. 23 and we try to think of a theme.”

Thumbing through a catalogue Yaniko saw a blurb that October is breast cancer awareness month.

“That put the thought in our heads,” she said.

Now through the month of October, the district will accept newspapers, office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, printer cartridges, PDAs and cell phones. The papers and cans will go to Rumpke who will redeem them for cash, which will go to breast cancer research.

The district will send the cartridges, PDAs and phones to the California-based Recycle for Breast Cancer whose goal is to keep those items out of the landfills.

“They think breast cancer could be environmentally caused by the toxins that leak into the ground water and air,” Yaniko said.

Right now items can be dropped off at containers at the district’s office at 5459 State Route 217, Willow Wood, the Lawrence County Courthouse and The Tribune’s office.

Any business in the area that wants to help out can contact Yaniko and a blue collection box marked with the recycling symbol will be set up at its location.

“We collect at least weekly and if it fills up more, we’ll take care of it,” she said. “We are hoping some businesses can be a drop off location.”

Also anyone who can’t get to these locations, can call the office and someone will pick it up.

“We already have seven bags of aluminum cans and one lady said ‘I am cleaning out my garage,’” Yaniko said. “If they are elderly or can’t lift it, just call us.”

Items can also dropped off at the annual district banquet at the Collins Career Center Saturday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m. At the banquet the district will honor the Conservation Farmer of the Year, Business of the Year, and Partnership of the Year.

For more information, to be a drop off location or request pick up service, contact Yaniko at 867-4737.