Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | April 11, 2025
In Scotch Plains, freecycling has emerged as a powerful tool for community building and waste reduction.
Every year, we hold a special freecycling event that is free and open to the public. We gather to give away items that are no longer needed or wanted, rather than discarding them in the trash. This simple act has far-reaching benefits, contributing to a litter-free town and more conscious consumption habits.
This year, the event will be held Saturday, April 26, as part of Scotch Plains’ Earth Day celebration. It begins with a community clean up, set for 8 a.m. Anyone who wants to volunteer to pick up litter and debris can register here.
Then, join us for the Freecycle Market at 10:30 a.m. where people can donate and “shop” for free items at Jerseyland Park, 2354 Beryllium Road, until 12:30 p.m. (Rain date is April 27.)
Scotch Plains residents who want to donate items must sign up on Community Pass to secure a drop-off time, set between 8:30-10 a.m. Space is limited; register here. Registration is open until April 24, but might close sooner if all slots are filled.
We require that all items are pre-sorted into various categories, in boxes and in working order. Accepted items include toys, puzzles/games, seasonal décor, small appliances, kitchen ware (but no glass), sports equipment and DVD/video games.
Books will not be accepted, but please remember the Friends of the Scotch Plains Library will begin collecting donations on June 20. The Freecycle Market also does not accept any glass, clothing, shoes, electronics or bikes.
To learn more about the freecycling event, or to volunteer, please call 908-322-6700, ext. 223 or email
When we discard unwanted items, they often end up in landfills, where they decompose slowly, releasing harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Freecycling, on the other hand, extends the lifespan of these items, reducing the need for new production and the associated environmental costs.
Manufacturing new goods requires significant energy, water, and raw materials, all of which contribute to environmental degradation. By reusing and repurposing existing items, freecycling minimizes this impact and promotes a circular economy where resources are valued and waste is minimized in Scotch Plains.
Beyond its environmental benefits, our annual freecycling event provides another great opportunity for us all to interact, share resources, and build relationships. At the event, residents are eager to share stories, offer advice and often find some other items to swap.
When people are aware that their unwanted items can find a new home, they may be more thoughtful about their purchases. They may be less likely to buy things they don't need and more likely to take care of the items they already own.
The hope is this shift in mindset can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle, where residents prioritize quality over quantity and value the resources that go into producing goods. Freecycling can also be a powerful tool for teaching our children about the importance of sustainability and resourcefulness. By involving them in the process of giving away and receiving items, parents can instill valuable lessons about reducing waste and caring for the environment.
I hope you will see freecycling as more than an easy way to clean out the basement of unwanted stuff. Join us in making a tangible difference and contributing to a healthier community for future generations.
As part of this effort to make Scotch Plains more innovative and sustainable, we have found yet another way to divert waste from quickly-filling landfills.
Scotch Plains is partnering with other Union County communities to conveniently collect used clothing and other items. A drop-off bin is now available at the DPW Yard at 2445 Plainfield Ave. on Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Please call (908) 233-6707 with any questions.)
The accepted items – which includes clothing, shoes, accessories, and household linens – are then given to Helpsy, a sustainable clothing and textile recycling company. All items are repurposed for resale, reuse, and recycling. This maximizes the lifespan of these materials, reducing the demand for new clothing production and minimizing the associated environmental costs.
Scotch Plains, and our very active Green Team, is eager to spread the word about textile recycling, freecycling, litter clean-ups and any other way we can prioritize resource conservation and waste reduction in our town.
