Submitted by Claire Whitcomb
Madison’s first Town Swap will be held on April 28, 2018, from 8 a.m. t o1 p.m. at the municipal garage on John Avenue, Madison, New Jersey. A partnership between the Madison Environmental Commission and the Department of Public Works, the Town Swap gives residents a chance to clean out their closets and find something new; for free.
Ken O’Brien, DPW superintendent is pulling town trucks out of the garage and giving volunteers a rainproof space to setting up tables for the swap. The only rules: Residents must produce a valid ID and items must be in good condition. Otherwise, everything is free.
Items that can be brought to the swap are: non-upholstered furniture, electronics, small appliances, children’s toys, play equipment, dishes, glassware, art, household items, sports equipment, exercise machines, musical instruments, area rugs, draperies, and curtains.
At the end of the day, leftovers will be picked up by Habitat from Humanity ReStore, the Vietnam Veterans of America and local churches.
“The Town Swap a first step in thinking about trash differently,” says O’Brien. “Instead of putting something out on their curbs, Madison residents have a chance to give their items a new home. We’re creating community and reducing the Borough’s trash pickup costs.”
The swap was organized by Ellen Kranefuss of the Environmental Commission and Cari Reyes of the DPW with the guidance of superintendent O’Brien. Reyes’ job includes fielding questions from residents about what to do with everything from electronics to furniture.
“My work has really opened my eyes to what Madison puts in the landfill. It has changed my perspective.” says Reyes. “So, Ken and I began brainstorming ways to not only reduce waste but more importantly put these items into the hands of those who might need them. It’s exciting that we are making that happen.”
For more information, call Madison’s Department of Public Works, 973-593-3088.
