IN THE CITY
By Dana Fowler
You have probably heard of the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The 3 R’s are a list in order of priority of how we should manage our solid waste. They are part of a list known as the solid waste hierarchy. Recycling often receives top billing, but Reduction and Reuse are actually the more preferred methods of handling our waste.
Putting the 3 R’s to work and adding composting to the mix are good ways to reduce what we throw away that would otherwise end up in the landfill. This column will focus on reuse, which is simply reusing a product for the same or different use than what it was originally purchased for.
Hand-me-downs are an example of reuse. Before you throw something away that still has value, ask yourself if it can be reused.
Presque Isle and the surrounding area are fortunate to have some thrift stores that accept donated goods, which are then sold for low prices. The thrift stores are Threads of Hope (a Catholic Charities Maine store) at 11 Davis Street, The Cubby Thrift Store at 377 Main Street, and Second Chances at 157 State Street. Depending on the specific store, funds received from the sale of donated items are used for food for the hungry in Aroostook County, expenses related to children with life threatening illnesses, and assisting the homeless.
Instead of filling the landfill with items that can be given a second chance, why not donate those items for a good cause? If you have a significant amount of material, the stores may pick up your items. Be sure to call in advance so that the store can schedule the pickup. Also, depending on the particular store, they may provide a receipt for the value of the donation that can be used as a deduction on your income taxes.
If you drop your items off at the thrift stores, please do so during their hours of operation. Leaving items during non-business hours could lead to damaged goods that will have to be thrown away, if they get rained on.
There are some minor differences between the stores, so check with them about specific items that they will or will not accept. For example, you may be surprised to learn that clothing that is torn or missing buttons is accepted at Threads of Hope as long as it is laundered and has no mold or mildew. Clothing that is not acceptable for resale will be sold as a feedstock that will recycled into a new filler material for various products.
In addition to the thrift stores, Hand Me Down Antiques at 477 Main Street purchases old (and some new) unique items for resale. Save the landfill for what really needs to go there: items that cannot be recycled or reused. Depending on the store, either donate or sell your unwanted clothing and household items to help your neighbor, yourself, and the landfill all at the same time. If you have questions about recycling or reuse, please contact the Solid Waste Division at 760-2712.
Dana H. Fowler, P.E., is public services director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 760-2707 or via email at dfowler@presqueisleme.us.
