The Anchor
by Adrienne Tait
Mon, September 30th, 2013
Edson’s wildly successful ‘Take It or Leave It’ program benefits not only the environment but several local non-profit groups as well.
“When we see things come in that we see should perhaps be destined for the Women’s Shelter such as cosmetic items that have not been opened, or the seal broken, we will put them into a box marked for the shelter,” says Edson Recycling Centre’s Anne Auriat.
Items such as school supplies may be set aside for schools to use for children who are unable to afford supplies. Groups such as the Boys and Girls Club, Parent Link programs, or the Day Care Society benefit from children’s books, crafts, or recreation items they are able to use in their programs. “If there is a really antique item we would contact the museum to see if they would like it,” said Auriat.
When items that may benefit community groups come into the Take It or Leave It the facility attempts to contact the groups to let them know and will set those items aside. At the same time some local groups call and request certain items whether for a class project or community event like the Rotary Halloween party.
“When things are dropped off we have to sort it and put it in the right category but at the same time we are cognizant of non-profit groups who may need certain items,” said Anne.
The Take It or Leave It s open four days a week. According to Auriat, “It’s really been busy. There’s between 100 and 200 people dropping off every four hour period, and about 200-300 people on the other side. Up to two metric tonnes per day is our record and around 20 metric tonnes a month go in and out.”
While the program accepts everything from toys and sporting goods to books and housewares there are a number of items Anne requests not to be dropped off. “We can’t accept food items, clothing should go to the Thrift Store, and electronics that don’t work or are more than five years old should go to the recycling.”