Commuters came bearing worn-out printers and useless computers, their car trunks filled with dead televisions and silent stereos. The digital discards went into piles to be recycled, giving ex-offenders jobs.

Today, Southside commuters took advantage of the dropoff program at the Strange Brew, 4800 W. Smith Valley Rd. The collections will be held at other locations on three more dates.

Two Indianapolis non-profit agencies — Green Piece Indy and Workforce Inc. — are behind the recycling effort. Commuters may drop off electronics and cardboard and be on their way. Motorists stay in their cars, while workers unload junk from the trunks.

Workforce hires ex-offenders to breakdown the electronics into usable material. The toxic stuff is properly disposed of, Mayor Greg Ballard’s office said in a news release.

Workforce asks for a $10 donation to recycle televisions because of the high cost of safe disposal. Otherwise, the drop-off is free.

Green Piece Indy is a twice-weekly e-mail with tips on how to live a greener lifestyle in Indianapolis.