Everybody has old cell phones and chargers, and out-of-date laptops that they can’t throw out.

Now, the electronics can be recycled locally with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Hillsborough High School guidance counselor and basketball coach Ian Progin and his family. 

“I know I have about five cell phones laying around that I don’t need,” said Pat Grande, Progin’s cousin and Vice President of East Coast Operations for Electronics Recycling Services. “Everybody has them. This will be a good cause and will help make some money for Ian and his family.”

As a result, Electronics Recycling Services, an official sponsor of Progin’s Players, will be collecting the items during the Hillsborough Rotary Fair Aug. 16-20 in a tent sponsored by Applebee’s of Hillsborough. In addition, proceeds from the cheeseburger sliders sold at the tent will be donated to Progin’s Players and the team’s “WISH” bracelets will be sold there too.

“It’s a way to raise money and to keep everything green,” Grande said. “Working or non-working, that’s fine. Obviously, we are looking for quantity because it’s done per pound.”

The idea originally sprang from a proposal Grande made to his team at Electronics Recycling Services, he said. With the company owner behind it, Grande worked with Progin’s Players to set up the drive.

Those who can’t make it to the fair can drop off the items at Edible Arrangements, in Nelson’s Corner Shopping Center, until Oct. 2, Grande said. He hopes to expand the collection to several area companies, too, he added.

“We’ll collect the BlackBerries that are obsolete and laptops that are five years old that you just have around because you can’t throw it out,” he said. “Whoever can come out to support it, we appreciate it. If they can start a drive at their own work, we appreciate it too.”

Grande also hopes to approach Hillsborough High School and other high schools in the Skyland Conference to start similar drives in those schools, he said.

“Because everybody in the community is helping, we’re thinking of doing it in at the high school,” Grande said. “If we get 2,000 kids from each high school, it adds up.”