The Dump

Most of the houses in New Hampshire are very spread apart on windy, dirt roads. Because of this, people must take their garbage and recycling to the Waste Transfer Station in their respective town. Otherwise know affectionately as "the dump."

Amherst Waste Transfer Station

Everything is extremely organized at the Amherst dump. There are several bins that you toss your glass, plastics, aluminum, tin cans, paper, cardboard, and of course, your trash. I admire this system. It is extremely easy to simply throw everything you don't want in your weekly pick-up cans, the transfer stations in New England make you responsible for the things you recycle and throw away. Every container is carefully considered and placed in the appropriate bin.

At the bottom of each chute, there is a railroad car. Presumably the contents are taken to a recycling center where they are recycled. I also love this system because not only do you have to separate all of your recyclables, you also have to take your trash as well. This really makes you think about what you are throwing away weekly. 

• How many trips do you want to take to the dump this month?
• Are there things that you can do to help reduce your trips to the dump (besides letting your house smell), and therefore reducing your consumption of all goods?
• Should you consider starting a compost pile in order to reduce the amount of food wastes you must take to the dump (or prevent the accumulation of smelly bags piling up in your garage)?

The dump also seems to be a very friendly place. With the exception of one particularly combative curmudgeon, deemed "The Dump Grump" by Parents, all of the workers are extremely friendly as well as the other visitors. 

In addition to all of the waste transferring and decomposing and burying, there are also a few shacks located on the property. They contain items that owner no longer wants, but the items aren't necessarily ready for the landfill. Some things are better than others and it is common for items to show up at the dump exchange over and over as some crafter finds an intriguing piece later to discover that they can do nothing with it. However, with a little elbow grease, many of these things are as good as new. All items are free for the taking. It is a thrifter's dream!