Parkrose neighbors dump bulky waste and pick up reusables

WATCH A VIDEO OF THIS PROJECT | See why this was more than just another outer East Portland Bulky Waste Clean-up. You’ll be surprised at how full their “free store” of reuseable items became …

Volunteers are kept busy as they help out at the Parkrose Neighborhood Association “Bulky Waste Clean-up & Reuse” held at Parkrose High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Before the onset of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Parkrose Neighborhood Association (PNA) made use of the funding provided by the City of Portland and METRO for hosting the annual “Bulky Waste Clean-up & Reuse” events.

On May 14, about 15 volunteers, including many Parkrose High School (Go Broncos!) students helped off-load trash from cars and trucks, depositing it in huge drop boxes.

Helping their cleanup go smoothly is PNA Chair Annette Stanhope.

“You’re right, this is our first one since COVID,” agreed Parkrose Neighborhood Association Chair Annette Stanhope at the cleanup.

“It’s important to do this because it helps people get rid of bulky items – things too large to fit in a curb-side roll-cart – and which would cost money, time, and effort to take to a dump,” Stanhope told East Portland News.

He’s glad to have a place to drop off trash and reusable items, says neighbor Stacy Stilwater.

Carrying a microwave oven delivered by a neighbor to the “Reuse, Recycle Area” is volunteer Stephen Houston.

“And, having this available also helps keep people from thinking about illegally dumping items that they cannot have taken away at the curb,” observed Stanhope. “We’re grateful to have received a grant from METRO that allows our people to dispose of these items here today, for free!”

Here’s the video we promised:

“As you’ve noticed, we also have a really large ‘Reuse Area’ where people can drop off good reusable items they do not want or need any longer, for other people to take home – and thus keep them out of the landfill,” Stanhope pointed out.

“Because we’ve done this in the past, we’ve learned to be very careful not to take any toxic items – including oil, paint thinner, construction debris – and also no yard debris, or household garbage, that you can easily put in roll-carts.”

Herb Reiniger, from Brown’s Parkrose Point S Tires, is about to haul out another load of tires to be recycled.

Stanhope commended Brown’s Parkrose Point S Tires for taking and recycling used tires; as well as the financial support from Pacific Northwest Federal Credit Union for volunteers’ lunches, as well as Parkrose Grocery Outlet which donated snacks and bottled water to the effort.

As a steady stream of vehicles came through the cleanup, the drop boxes began to fill. “Hopefully, we can have one of these again next year,” said Stanhope.

Helping out in the “Reuse, Recycle Area”, here’s Parkrose volunteer Karina Kelley.

Tons of refuse removed
After it was all over, Stanhope reported that 4.5 tons of bulky waste, in four, 30-yard drop boxes were hauled off. “We didn’t do a number count, but I’m guessing about 50 to 60 people the service,” she reported. “Some came back multiple times, having lots of stuff and had to make multiple trips – others were picking up items for their neighbors.”

And, their “Reuse, Recycle Area” was well used, Stanhope added with about 70 items there, at the peak. Some things that went on to “new homes” included an elliptical trainer, a washing machine, musical instruments, lamps, kids’ toys, chairs, and bicycles. Remaining, usable items were donated to nonprofit groups; not-so-good things went into a drop box.

For more information about the Parkrose Neighborhood Association, including their monthly meetings, CLICK HERE to open their official webpage.

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