AHUKINI — Jeff Iida, manager of the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity, added to the monthly donations to The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center on Friday at the Kaua‘i Resource Center on Ahukini Road.
“The ARC guys were here, Wednesday,” Iida said. “They took enough material so we could have this space where the Rotary Youth Exchange students could work. We had a run to Lihu‘e this morning, so we just sent another six pallets of merchandise.”
David Chung, team leader for the ARC crew, said he felt there was a market for the items brought over by the ReStore to their monthly collection.
“We’re already working on our third can (shipping container),” said Chung with about two hours remaining in the Friday donations. “We’ve already processed more than 200 cars. It’s been busy, but last month, we were smashed.”
Chung estimated that each 40-foot shipping container held between 1,700 to 2,000 pounds of merchandise, items that if not for the ARC donation event, would otherwise end up in the landfill. Doing the math, that’s at least 5,100 pounds of items that would be added to the landfill.
“Our trip to Kaua‘i for March is on March 17,” Chung said. “We needed to book the flights early because it’s getting close to spring break and the flights are filling up. We’ll also be back in April.”
Residents, businesses, and other organizations can bring in unwanted or unneeded items for reuse, including clothing, small furniture, children’s toys, books, and shoes. Clothing and textiles do not need to be in good condition, torn or stained clothing is acceptable.
Items that are not acceptable include e-waste, chemicals, appliances, or broken items.
The items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the ARC monthly donation event, March 17 by following the signs at Kaua‘i Resource Center.
“We encourage the public to check with their local thrift stores to see if they are capable of taking donations before bringing items to the KRC,” the County of Kaua‘i said.
The Salvation Army also requests the public remain in their vehicles while on-site, largely because of safety concerns.
The ARC also offers pickup services to thrift stores and businesses. Call 808-241-4336 to schedule new service.
For individuals that would like home pickup service, contact the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 808-335-6105, or RP’s Random Closet at 808-346-0020. Please note that RP’s Random Closet is a for-profit agency.
For general information about general recycling or reuse visit www.kauai.gov/recycling, or www.kauai.gov/reuse.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 ordfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
