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NEXT EVENT: May 3, 2025, 9am-Noon
Rain or shine. Paper shredding may end earlier if truck fills up.
High Plains Community Center, Orange Center Rd.

Paper Shredding  |  Mattresses  |  Electronics  |  Clothing & Household  |  Rx Drop-Off |  Hazardous Waste 

Paper Shredding, Mattress Recycling, and E-waste Recycling Event
Plus: Clothing, Household Goods, Toys, and More

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  • FREE event is held every April and October

  • For RESIDENTIAL purposes only

  • October 2024 included paper shredding, mattress/box spring collection, e-waste, clothing/household items, rx drug take-back. Check back for info on May 3, 2025 event as it gets closer. 

paper
 
Paper Shredding
  •  BRING:  Tax papers, bills, receipts, statements, and documents that contain personal, financial and/or medical information. No need to remove staples or elastic bands. Clips should be removed for reuse. For residential documents, not intended for businesses or medical offices. 
  •  DO NOT BRING:  Shredded paper, newspapers, notebooks, plastic folders, and non-confidential papers and mail (these go in regular residential recycling bins).
  • NOTE:  You may bring up to 6 copier sized boxes of papers. If you have more, get back in line and come through again.
 
​The secure, on-site paper shredding is handled by Affordable Solutions, owned by Orange's Joe Johnston. Residents bring bags or boxes filled with documents and volunteers retrieve them from vehicles. Anyone wanting to keep their boxes or containers should tell a volunteer.
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This service is generously funded by the Rotary Club of Orange. Residents may show appreciation by donating to the Orange Rotary Scholarship Fund. Rotarians will be there to collect donations.
Mattress

Mattress Recycling

  •  BRING:  Mattresses and box springs. See below if you need assistance. 
  •  DO NOT BRING:  Mattresses from futons/sofa beds or waterbeds; mattresses with bed bugs; wet, damaged or excessively soiled mattresses; and sleeping bags or mattress pads/toppers. 
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The Mattress Recycling Council's "Bye Bye Mattress" team will collect used mattresses and box springs of any size. Exceptions listed above. For residents needing help, members of the Orange Lions Club will pick up mattresses and box springs, given items are outside and dry or in a garage for easy access (volunteers will not enter homes). If interested in this pick-up service, contact Ken Lenz at 203-795-3906. The fee for pick-up is $15 per mattress or box spring. Payment is by cash or check made out to Orange Lions Charities, and all proceeds are considered a charitable donation. 
Misc Stuff
Electronics
Clothing, Household Items, Toys and More
Orange Community Women 
  •  BRING:  Clothing, shoes, purses, accessories; blankets, curtains, sheets, towels and other household textiles; housewares, dishes, small appliances, home decor; toys, sporting goods, stuffed animals.
  •  DO NOT BRING:  Books, DVDs, CDs, VHS tapes, or large items.
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Buy Nothing Orange
  • The active Facebook Group "Buy Nothing Orange" hosts a swap meet where residents can "gift" items and perhaps take home something they can use.
  • The Buy Nothing Project is a worldwide initiative with local groups of residents who lend, give, and ask for items. See video. The Orange group started in 2020 and soared during the pandemic, enabling people to connect and have fun in a safe way, while decluttering their homes.
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Electronics Recycling (New in 2024)
  • Recognizing the importance of responsible e-waste management, the committee has partnered with a local firm that WIPES HARD DRIVES CLEAN OF DATA and breaks down electronic devices for their scrap metal value while ensuring landfill disposal of the remaining waste. 
  • Old cell phones, tablets, and computers will be accepted with the cost being $5, $10, and $20 respectively. 
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Prescription Drug Drop-Off 
  • National Drug Take-Back Day - Members of the Orange Police Department and the Bethany Orange Woodbridge Drug & Alcohol Action Committee (BOWDAAC) will be in front of High Plains Community Center from 10:00-2:00 to discreetly accept any unused or expired medications and vape devices for proper disposal.
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Hazardous Waste (Only at April/springtime event)
Fill out registration form beforehand, list of accepted items appears partway down the page.
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  •  BRING:   Household chemicals, cleaners, auto fluids and more. See full list below.   
  • DO NOT BRING:  Auto batteries, asbestos, propane tanks, medicines, fire extinguishers. Electronics go to Transfer Station. Fill out form in advance if possible. Otherwise, registration will be on-site.
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Residents drive to the designated area and Regional Water Authority HazWaste Central employees get items from vehicles. This event is in addition to regular Saturday drop-offs at Haz Waste Central in New Haven (March-October). Complete registration form in advance, if possible. 
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October 2024 was the 8th time the Orange Recycling Committee hosted this popular community event, which is powered by volunteers and sponsored by the Orange Rotary Club. In appreciation, residents generously donate to the club's educational fund. The Lions Club of Orange members pick up mattresses from residents' homes and bring them to HPCC for a small donation. Thank you to all who help make this a successful event! 

Over the years, this event has kept over 100,000 pounds of paper, hundreds of mattresses & box springs, thousands of hazardous waste materials, and many clothing, toys, & household items out of landfills and properly disposed of. 

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