Amberley Village held its 6th annual One Stop Drop recycling event on April 8. Residents and people from surrounding communities dropped off 25.3 tons of electronics, paper, clothing, household items, and art supplies.
“The annual One Stop Drop is the biggest event sponsored by the Amberley Village Environmental Stewardship Committee (ESC),” said Kathie Kraemer, ESC and Amberley WeTHRIVE! team member. “It offers the opportunity for residents and nearby neighbors to dispose of items that might otherwise end up in the landfill.”
In addition to the environmental impact, the chance to recycle every year helps residents maintain a safe and healthy home by reducing clutter and potential hazards, according to Merrie Stillpass, ESC chair and member of the Amberley WeTHRIVE! team.
From the 719 cars that came through, Cohen Recycling accepted 9.55 tons of electronics, Royal Paper provided confidential shredding for 11 tons of paper, and Scrap It Up collected 394 pounds of art supplies, including craft paint, crayons, chalk, pencils, markers, and more. New this year, Goodwill accepted 4.56 tons of clothing and small household items.
Compared to last year, collections rose by nearly five tons and the number of cars coming through went up by 175. “The increased tonnage this year could be in part through the participation of Goodwill and through increased promotion and awareness of the event,” Merrie said.
Merrie and Kathie agree that volunteers are vital to the success of the One Stop Drop. “From set up to directing traffic, emptying vehicles and cleaning up afterward, they are the necessary cogs in the wheel that keeps the event running smoothly,” Kathie said. ESC volunteers provided 64 hours of work at this year’s event.
Those volunteers handled a wide variety of items. The biggest drop off Merrie saw was from a doctor who retired after 60 years in practice. “He brought his medical records, which filled over three vans!” she said.
See more photos from the 6th annual Amberley Village One Stop Drop recycling event here.