Swap Shop at Local Dump?

[Joan]

Trying ti persuade the city dump to erect some kind of Saturday Swop Shop "barn". Early stages of research but apparently alot of them are on dump property and that seems to have many benefits. Check out this awesome video that shows how much of a community event it can be with other implications as well (ie winter market).
http://www.ibrattleboro.com/bmedia/?mode=view&recnum=283

[Joan]

This is the response I got from Cathie of Windsor, Ontario's Land Fill:

Hi Joan,

We are in receipt of your email regarding swap shops. Thanks!

We already do operate a MHSW facility (municipal hazardous and special waste) facility at both our Public Drop Off Depot (Windsor) and the Transfer Station in Kingsville - residents can drop off paint, stains, car care products, etc. etc. - for free AND they can come in and pick up those products for free if they need them.

Compost and Yard Waste - residents can drop off all yard waste for free (except grass clippings) - and we grind, mulch and 'sell' the compost back to the residents. We will not be giving the compost away, we need to have some way of recouping some of our costs to grind, shred and cure the compost. We did sell the compost for $1 per back on October 3rd at our Truckload Sale ($1 per 40 lb back) -which was an excellent deal. We often have great deals on our compost (it's not free, but it is very economical).

We have looked into ideas such as a dirty MRF (which is like a mini recycling station) on the landfill property which would pull any good materials out of the garbage BEFORE it is disposed of (sort of like a swap shop), however, currently our landfill does not have a Certificate of Approval for residential vehicles - the public is not allowed on site. In order to build a sorting station - we would have to have political approval from our Board of Directors (politicians), and the money to do so. Right now in this economic climate, the Authority will not be approving any new buildings or staffing for such.

From you email I'm not sure if you were thinking of having this facility on one of our sites (owned and operated by EWSWA), or if you were looking for information on how to start up one yourself.

I have attached information on what we already do at our facilities. If I can be of further assistance, please drop me a line.

Warm Regards,
Cathie

[freeworldreview]

Hi Joan,
I'm Timi, 41, Nigerian freelance journalist and writer/English language teacher in Turkey. I wish to volunteer and hope you can find a position for me at the local dump. I've got slills. Hope to get to know you all soon. Freddy in Bristol has been putting me through