Freecycle a Huge Success

They carried in tables and chairs and bags of old clothes. Others maybe lugged in old computers or tools and maybe a bike.

It didn’t matter what people brought, because it was all welcome Sunday during Freecycling, which invited people to bring their old, unwanted items, leave them, and pick and choose from something someone else brought to be discarded

In other words, it was the ultimate recycling day.

“The event was a huge success. We counted 258 cars attending, and with a likely average of about two to three people per car, that is somewhere between 500 and 750 people participating,” said David Moskowtiz of the East Brunswick Environmental commission. “We were able to keep literally tons of stuff out of the landfill. Virtually everybody brought things to exchange and wound up taking something home they needed."

Sponsored by the Friends of the Environmental Commission, the departments of Recycling and Parks and Recreation and R. Mor Inc., Freecycling was so popular that it may become a regular event. In fact, Moskowitz said the Friends might consider holding it twice a year.

“It was the ultimate form of recycling, which is to reuse,” he said. “The variety of items ranged from baseball cards, to clothing, tools, electric appliances, lights, a kitchen sink, bikes, furniture, computers, exercise equipment and literally hundreds of other items. About 90 percent of the used items that were dropped off were taken. Half of what was left will be recycled. “

The event brought in 26 bags of clothes, shoes and toys, all picked up to be shipped up to those in need. In fact, everything that wasn't grabbed by those that attended was picked to be recycled.

Moskowitz gave credit to the event’s organizers for pulling the event off and making it so successful.

“Huge kudos are due to Liti (Haramaty) since she conceived and planned the event. I would encourage everyone to join the Friends (it's free) so they can get updates and notifications about these types of programs we run. They simply need to go to the website at www.friendsebec.com and register.