By Ilene Moyher
Orange Recycling Committee
Ilene Moyher
Items like confidential documents, electronics, hazardous household liquids and mattresses can pose safety and environmental risks if discarded improperly. Thankfully, Orange has multiple options for residents to safely dispose of many materials.
By participating in the twice-yearly “Paper Shredding and More” events and using the multiple waste disposal stations at the Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center year-round, Orange residents can conveniently and safely dispose of items while building sustainable habits.
The Case Memorial Library will host a special program titled “Clear the Clutter: Simple Strategies for Decluttering, Recycling, and Preparing for Collection Days” on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. You can register at casememorial.librarycalendar.com/cleartheclutter.
The program will be co-hosted by the Orange Recycling Committee and Case Memorial Library, and will be led by Orange resident Lauren Hass, a certified professional organizer and founder of Clutter Kicker. She’ll share practical, realistic strategies to help participants decide what to keep, donate, recycle, shred or safely dispose of – without guilt or overwhelm.
This event will help residents prepare for the April 11 “Paper Shredding and More” recycling event.
Held twice a year, the community event provides convenient, responsible disposal options for a wide range of household items. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon at High Plains Community Center, located at 525 Orange Center Rd. It will include document shredding, hazardous waste disposal, mattress and box spring recycling, electronics recycling and clothing and household item drop-off.
Secure shredding of paper prevents identity theft, while recycling electronics and mattresses keeps harmful materials out of landfills. Hazardous liquids and chemicals, if poured down drains or tossed in trash, can contaminate soil, water and air.
Secure onsite shredding of confidential documents – including tax returns, bank statements and medical records – will again be handled by Affordable Solutions of Orange. This is not intended for non-confidential papers such as junk mail, which goes in regular recycling bins. The shredding service is funded by the Rotary Club of Orange, making it free to residents. Rotarians will be on hand to accept contributions to the club’s scholarship fund.
The Regional Water Authority’s HazWaste Central mobile unit will collect household hazardous liquids such as paints, stains, solvents, pesticides, old gasoline, cleaners, pool chemicals, aerosols and vehicle fluids. Residents are encouraged to see the full list of what’s accepted and preregister at rwater.com/hazwaste to reduce waiting times.
Mattresses and box springs will be accepted through the Mattress Recycling Council’s “Bye Bye Mattress” program. Residents may bring these items to the truck in the front parking lot at HPCC or may arrange for volunteers to collect mattresses and box springs from their home. This pickup service is provided by the Orange Lions Club for a donation of $15 per item; contact Ken Lenz at 203-795-3906 to arrange pickup. Futon mattresses, sofa bed mattresses, waterbeds and items that are wet, damaged or heavily soiled will not be accepted.
Electronics – including computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, TVs and phones – will be collected free of charge by Take 2 Recycling. New to Orange, Take 2 also provides electronics pickup at the Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center.
The Orange Community Women will collect gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, linens, small appliances, toys and more, with proceeds supporting charitable efforts.
The Buy Nothing Orange group will host a free swap meet under the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Remaining items will be donated.
Residents should follow signs and volunteer directions to ensure safe and efficient drop-offs. For more information on allowable items, visit bit.ly/Orange-Recycling-Event or facebook.com/ORCinCT, or email orangerecycles@gmail.com.
Ilene Moyher is a member of the Orange Recycling Committee.