Stop by the Swap Shop!
March 29, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
The Swap Shop at the Hingham transfer station has become the go-to place to drop off and pick up -- free of charge! -- everything from good-quality furniture, lamps, and dishes to sporting goods, books, and cool "stuff" for kids.
Located on Sam Ryder Road off Hobart Street, it's a popular place to pick up gently-used treasures of all kinds and to also donate certain items that are in good condition for someone else to use and enjoy.
Several years ago the Swap Shop was moved to a more-accessible part of the landfill -- just beyond the recycling building on the left as you enter and then straight ahead -- with its own parking area. Only residents with landfill stickers may drop off or pick up items.
Something for everyone
An enthusiastic Swap Shop regular had this to say: "There are such great people here, and it's well organized. There's wonderful stuff everybody has a need for or knows somebody who would just love it," she said. "This is recycling at its best, and it's a lot of fun!"
The Swap Shop runs on volunteer power. Paula Mine, who is among the some 26 regular volunteers, said people bring and find all kinds of different things there. "It's fascinating to see what people drop off, from family photo albums [that somehow got out of the original owner's hands] to collectibles, knick knacks, old tools, lighters, lots of vases, bricks, holiday decorations (a big item) and a lot of things we don't often see these days. We find some of the must unusual things in the bottoms of some of the boxes people bring here that have likely been in someone's garage or cellar for years."
If she's aware that a Swap Shop regular is looking for a sewing machine, for example, Mine keeps here eye out for such an item.
One swap shop regular, Nick, loves bringing home puzzles. "It's a gamble -- all the pieces are supposed to be there!" said Volunteer George Szabo with a grin.
Repurposing
Mine said there are days when it seems as if a bulletin calling for a certain item has been sent out because several people might bring the same item to donate on a particular day. One weekend it was bread machines. "An amazing amount of repurposing goes on here," she said.
The message shared by Swap Shop Coordinator Bill Marshall is, "Always shop here first!"
The current location is working well, he said. "We now have another covered container for furniture and sporting goods so these items remain protected until someone decides they want them" rather than leaving them outside at the mercy of the weather. The other container holds lamps, electronics, books, and children's items.
"I'm amazed at how much goes through the Swap Shop on weekends -- both drop offs and pick ups," Marshall said.
That's not surprising when you hear stories of people furnishing their kitchens, offices, dorm rooms, and even a new home with dishes, furniture, braided rugs, and other high-quality items from the Swap Shop. Recently someone donated a solid-cherry Pembroke table that Marshall said was "gorgeous, with no scrapes or nicks -- just in need of a little dusting!"
Another resident dropped off a child's bed -- complete with headboards, frame, and drawers underneath -- that was in tip-top shape.
Szabo enjoys the camaraderie at the Swap Shop. "One of the volunteers brings us cupcakes, soda, and sandwiches," he said. "We have summer pool get-togethers and Christmas and Halloween parties for all the volunteers. It's fun to see friends and town officials at the Swap Shop. Everyone comes here."
High standards
When donations are brought to the Swap Shop, a volunteer inspects them to be sure they are up to standard," Marshall said. "It's tough to say no, but if a chair is falling apart we can't accept it!"
The Swap Shop is open Thursday through Sunday (the days the transfer station is open) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except when weather or other conditions warrant it being closing.
Those stopping by to check out the offerings are asked to wait off to the side for an open parking spot in the Swap area in order to allow traffic heading toward the trash compactors to pass behind safely.
Usable condition
There's a 10-minute parking limit for residents dropping off or picking up items, which much be in usable condition. You don't need to drop something off to pick something up!
Items that are not accepted include mattresses, bulky and most upholstered furniture, carpeting (although Oriental and braided rugs in good condition are accepted), computers, paint, and hazardous products.
Volunteers are needed to ensure adequate staffing. For more information or to download a volunteer form, check out the Public Works/Swap Shop link at hingham-ma.gov (https://www.hingham-ma.gov/272/SWAP-Shop). Volunteer applications are also posted on the first-floor Town Hall bulletin board.
Thanks for the write up and for requesting volunteers. We always need an extra hand especially on those busy weekend days. Come join the fun.
I volunteered for a few years and the Swap was the most fun job Ever! Great people and you never knew what sort of treasure was arriving next.