From 2010–2013, Green Acton organized an annual Drop & Swap Day in May, held on the grounds of the Conant School. These events helped keep a lot of gently used items out of the landfill and got them into the hands of people who could use them. Providers of specialty recycling and re-use services were also available, and took in a lot of goods and materials. Green Acton learned a great deal about trash and recycling during those events, and decided to focus on getting a permanent swap shed at the Transfer Station.
Here’s a sample vendor list, from 2013, the last year of the Drop & Swap:
Big Brothers Big Sisters takes any of the above items not claimed at the swap area, as well as items not accepted for the Drop & Swap area, such as clothing.
Conigliaro Inc. is a full-service plastics recycler — including car seats and polystyrene (i.e., Styrofoam). The company charges by the ton, so a small fee is involved.
Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts take non-upholstered furniture unclaimed at the Drop & Swap area, as well as mattresses in usable condition.
More Than Words accepts books, CDs, DVDs and videos.
Metech Recycling conducts responsible electronic recycling at reasonable cost (e.g., less than the fees at the Town’s Transfer Station).
ProShred will provide onsite document shredding (3-box maximum).