More than three tons of reusable items have been diverted from King County’s landfill to Goodwill during a short pilot project at the Shoreline transfer station. It’s like "one-stop shopping" in reverse, and it’s proving successful enough the county is extending the program through this spring.

The Goodwill placed a trailer at the transfer station in September. Since then it has collected such prizes as a 1992 Husky Rose Bowl T-shirt, a half-dozen exercise machines, several pairs of skis and a metal desk so heavy that it appeared it could withstand being dropped from a tall building.

The King County Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Division is extending the pilot project to evaluate use of the Goodwill trailer during the holidays and during the months when people do their spring-cleaning. Proceeds from the sale of the collected materials are used for Goodwill's education and job training programs.

"Convenience seems to be key to people deciding whether to throw something away or give it to a nonprofit organization such as Goodwill," said Rod Hansen Solid Waste Division Manager. "We’re committed to offering new ways to keep reusable items out of our landfill. It’s cost-effective, good for our environment and supports a worthy nonprofit agency."

The First Northeast Transfer Station is located at 165^th and Meridian in Shoreline. Reusable items accepted at the Goodwill trailer include: household furnishings, working electronic equipment, working small appliances, kitchenware, clothing, recreational equipment, toys, office furnishings, music, tools, craft and hobby supplies. The items need to be in good condition, suitable for resale.

Not accepted are children's car seats, mattresses, large appliances or hazardous materials. Upholstered furniture will be accepted only if in very good condition.

During the pilot project, the county will continue charging the regular disposal fee when people donate reusable items. For many customers, the disposal fee is a standard minimum fee. This helps cover the county's costs of providing this service. If customers wish to donate their reusable items at no cost, and get a donation receipt for the items, there are several thrift stores and collection locations on Aurora, near the transfer station, where they can do so. Call Deseret Industries, St. Vincent de Paul or Goodwill for these locations.

For more information on this project, call the King County Recycling Hotline at 296-4466.

Updated: December 3, 1998