The Swampscott Recycling Task Force has organized a Zero Waste Day for Saturday, April 21 at the High School parking lot to provide an opportunity for residents to exchange, donate and recycle their surplus and unwanted “stuff.”
There will be a ‘drop and swap’ for books, CDs, records and sports equipment with all items free for the taking. Eyeglasses will be collected and Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries will provide a truck allowing residents to donate clothing, household items, and electronics. Also, there will be a collection of alkaline, button and rechargeable batteries as well as items containing mercury.
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By letting residents know about this event early, the organizers hope to provide plenty of time for everyone to look through their closets, basements and garages and gather things to drop off.
Please note: Goodwill accepts all textiles, including - usable clothing, stuffed animals, pillows, fabric pieces & yarn, drapes, sheets, shoes (singles are ok), throw rugs, flip flops, old sneakers, dishcloths, purses, and any clothing or textiles that are worn, torn or stained as long as the items are dry and have no hazardous material stains. Forty five percent of these materials are reused as received; the rest is converted into wiping rags or reprocessed into new fibers which have multiple uses.
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Any mercury containing items to be dropped off, such as thermometers, thermostats or switches must be sealed in a ziplock bag. This is good practice at home, as well.
Mercury-added bulbs (compact fluorescents and shop bulbs) will not be taken at this event and should be brought to a designated collection center such as the Swampscott Health Department or Home Depot for proper disposal.
The annual Rail Trail bike sale will be held at the same time, same place as Zero Waste Day. Used bikes, helmets, scooters, bike carriers, roller blades, and skate boards will be sold with all proceeds to support the Rail Trail project. Donations can be dropped off between 9 and 10 a.m. on the day of the event and the sale will be held from 10 a.m. to noon. If anyone needs assistance with a donation, please call 781-738-3898 to arrange for a pick-up.
