‘Reuse, Repair and Shred’ with the refuse management district

Old furniture, paper, dehumidifiers or other miscellaneous items taking up space at home?

The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District invites Dartmouth residents to join in on their first ever Reuse, Repair and Shred Day taking place Sept. 6 at two locations in New Bedford. 

The event, which has five parts, will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Confidential paper shredding will happen at the New Bedford High School, located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard. All other opportunities will happen at Keith Middle School, which is at 225 Hathaway Boulevard, including drop off for reusable goods, a dehumidifier turn-in, clothing repair and bicycle repair and donation. 

Paper Shredding, sponsored by New Bedford Credit Union, will be held on the bus path north of New Bedford High School and south of the solar panels and Hetland parking area. Up to two boxes of paper each weighing between 30 and 40 pounds will be accepted from each person. 

Paper can have staples and clips but must be removed from folders and binders. Staff will remove the boxes from cars, empty the paper into recycling bins and return the boxes. The paper will be emptied into a Shred-It Truck, which adheres to security practices and procedures. People will not be allowed to watch the destruction of their papers. 

Drop off of reusable furniture, household goods, and clothing will be held at Keith Middle School. All items must be in good condition, without stains, rips, pet fur, odors or mold. They will be accepting kitchen and household items, furniture, clothing and textiles and miscellaneous goods. For the full list of accepted items, visit https://gnbrrmdistrict.org/new-event-reuse-repair-shred-day-on-september-6/. 

People can turn in their old dehumidifiers for a rebate of $30. Dehumidifiers may be inefficient as long as it's functional. 

Clothing repair will be held by appointment only. Bushwood Tailors Opportunity Shop and other local menders will be doing the repairs. Each household can bring two items to be repaired. They will replace buttons, mend holes, reverse collars and case-by-case zipper repairs — zipper replacement will not be offered.

Bicycle donations can be in any condition, and will be fixed up to donate to community youth. Bicycle repair is by appointment only, and mechanics from Y.O.U. will be fixing flat tires, lubing chains, adjusting brakes, adjusting shifting, wheel truing and straightening mirrors for free. They will also replace parts for a fee from $6-$15 depending on the part. 

To make an appointment for bicycle or clothing repair visit gnbrrmdistrict.org.