Every Saturday during the month of June, the Rhode Island Donation Exchange will send a truck through town to collect any useable items residents no longer need. The Rhode Island Donation Exchange is a local furniture bank that provides needy Rhode Island families with these goods.
Items to be collected include working appliances, clothing, linens, furniture, toys, bicycles, outdoor furniture, mattresses and box springs.
RIDEP’s programs provide furniture for individuals and families receiving public assistance, or with an income up to 25 percent above the poverty level and are identified and referred by more the 65 statewide neighborhood centers. The agency also provides furnishings for shelters and non-profit human service programs across Rhode Island.
“Donated items must be in good, useable condition, but just not needed any longer,” said town Recycling Coordinator Donna Kaehler. “This is a great way to clean out, save the landfill and also help out people right here in our area.”
Tax donation certificates will be given to each household that makes a donation, she said.
To arrange a free pick of the items, contact Mary F. Landreville, executive director of the Rhode Island Donation Exchange, at 226-3537. For more information, contact Landreville or Kaehler at 641-9018.
According to Kaehler, so far this year recyclers have saved North Smithfield more than $39,000 in tipping fees. To date, North Smithfield has brought 1,163 tons or over 2.3 million pounds of recyclables to the landfill. And for those residents willing to bring items to drop off sites around town, this has diverted an additional 54 tons, she said.  
“This adds up to over 1,200 tons of items we disposed for free, and better yet, Rhode Island Resource Recovery pays each community a per ton rate for all recycling sent to them. While this year’s rate is expected to be lower than last, it is still extra revenue coming into our community.”
Last year, the town was paid more than $37,000 or $25 per ton. The current recycling rebate will be determined in July, Kaehler said.
“With June statistically being a heavy trash month, it is great time for people to see if they can recycle or divert items instead of putting them in the trash can,” she said.
For a complete list of drop off locations and what is accepted at the highway garage, residents can visit the town’s Web site or call the highway garage at 762-0541.