'Hamp DPW spearheads reuse effort

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - It's a recycling program unique to Northampton and South Hadley.

"Got Stuff? We'll get rid of it."  That's how the Northampton Department of Public Works is telling town residents the "Rigid Plastic Exchange" works.  In the last year and a half, the DPW has collected 40 tons of bulky items.  And they'll resume that collection effort Saturday. 

Waste Management Supervisor Karen Bouquillon says it's a one-of-a-kind community swap. 

“These are items that people can't put into their regular recycling bins. I think especially because it's a take it or leave it event where people can get new toys, new lawn furniture,” said Bouquillon at the city’s landfill on Friday morning.  

Bouquillon told 22News residents drop off what they don’t want and usually pick up something they need. Whatever's left behind is sent to the Springfield Material Recycling Center where the items are chopped up and made into curb stops or plastic lumber. 

But it's not all about bulky items. The DPW is giving all donated clothing items to the Salvation Army.  You can recycle unwanted clothes that are not good enough to be worn, are stained or ripped. The Salvation Army estimates that on average, every person throws out 75 pounds of clothes per year.

“I actually can't believe that that is the case, actually with so many second hand and consignment places that people would just drop it off, there's not need to throw out clothes,” said Erin Scott of Northampton.   

Ann Shea is a red kettle coordinator for the Salvation Army in Amherst and says more people should re-cycle and reuse.  “The Salvation Army is the first thing that comes to mind. In fact when my husband and I made our will we willed all of our belongings to the salvation army,” said Shea inside the Rt. 9 thrift store.  

The collection drive will take place Saturday at the Smith Vocational High School parking lot from 9am to Noon.