Way to Go! Plainedge senior Justin Hermann

Justin Hermann, a senior at Plainedge High School, collected more than 400 pieces of used computer equipment earlier this month as part of a recycling collection coordinated by the Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey's "Reconnect" Program.

To collect the items, Hermann advertised his project via Facebook postings and distributed fliers outside local stores. The actual collection was held in the parking lot of Maria Regina Church in Seaford.

"I often see computers out in the garbage, and I wanted to prevent it," said Hermann, 17, a member of Boy Scout Troop 691 of Seaford, whose collection met the community service component for the ranking of Eagle Scout. "This benefits the environment and allows people to clean up their homes at the same time."

Collected items included computer monitors, printers and ink cartridges, he said. To pay for the fliers and other project materials, Hermann said he collected and cashed in $170 worth of plastic bottles. The Home Depot in Farmingdale donated safety goggles and gloves for a group of 25 teens who loaded items onto trucks the day of the event.

Hermann drums in Plainedge's marching and jazz bands and is a member of the track and cross country teams.