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Retrievr - Electronics and Clothing
Upper Providence Township & Retrievr
As the Township moves forward to become a more sustainable community, it is important to look at all types of waste that are discarded into landfills. One often overlooked item is used clothing. There is currently a market in which unwanted textiles can be repurposed and resold, which helps create less waste and puts money back into the community.
Powered by retrievr, Upper Providence Township brings our residents a convenient service that collects your unwanted clothing and electronics, right from your doorstep.
Participation in this program does not require any cost to the Township but will yield higher recycling tonnage, and, therefore, higher grant returns from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as a 10% revenue share from materials salvaged by the company.
It's easy to get started. Simply visit Retrievr's website or call 757-703-3824.
Easier Recycling for Everyone
Retrievr enables haulers and municipalities to conveniently communicate with customers to collect and recycle clothing and electronics. Retrievr has relationships with the largest and the most innovative markets for recycling, refurbishment, and resale.
The advantages for the residents of Upper Providence include:
- Recycling in the palm of your hand.
- Confirm collection appointment.
- No need to haul recycling to an event or other location.
Solving a Specific Waste Problem
- The disposal of used clothing and electronics has become a major cost burden and environmental hazard.
- Used electronics and apparel represent 10% of the waste stream.
- Municipalities in the U.S. spend over $500 million annually landfilling used electronics and apparel.
- Improper disposal of used electronics is a major environmental hazard.
- The used electronics and apparel currently landfilled are worth billions of dollars annually in the recycling and refurbishment market.
- What if I do not have access to the internet?
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You can call retrievr to schedule your appointment! Call 757-703-3824 to schedule your pickup!
- Why do you ask me if I want retrievr to ring my doorbell?
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Some items such as computers, phones, and tablets may contain confidential information. If you prefer to have those items collected at your door by a retrievr representative, then we will ring your doorbell to personally collect those items to assure that the data is wiped.
- I am outside the current service area; how do I get retrievr in my community?
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We’d be happy to help, but we need your help first. Please contact your municipal leaders and ask them to consider bringing retrievr to your community.
- Why does it matter if I recycle clothing?
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It may be hard to believe but 85% of all clothing is currently sent to landfill at a major cost to taxpayers. It’s very important for our environment and our economy that these resources are not wasted by ending their life in a landfill or incinerator. Retrievr is focused on finding new purposes for these products.
- What happens to my recycled clothing?
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A large percentage of used clothing continues to be worn either in the U.S. or abroad. Some used clothing is remanufactured into new clothing or products such as specialty wipers (rags) for industry or insulation. Clothing has superior sound-dampening properties and can be found in many cars today.
- Will you take my towels and bedsheets?
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Yes! Towels and bedsheets are acceptable items.
- I'm moving. Can you accept my old rugs, carpets, furniture, and mattresses?
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These items are not accepted.
- Can I get a tax write off for items collected by Retrievr?
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Retrievr is a service provided by your municipality and is not eligible for tax deductions.
- Why do I need to recycle my electronics?
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In many states, it’s the law! In some states, electronics are prohibited from being disposed of in a landfill or incinerator. Electronics can include desktop or personal computers, tablets, computer monitors, desktop printers, desktop fax machines, or televisions.
- What are acceptable electronics?
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- Desktop or personal computers
- Tablets
- Computer monitors
- Printers
- Fax machines
- Televisions
- Cell phones
- Audio and video equipment
- Gaming consoles
- Scanners
- Hard drives
- Keyboards
- Mice
- PC speakers
- VCR, DVD, blue ray, laser disk, and CD players
- MP3 players
- iPods
- Portable radios
- Will you take my refrigerator, stove, air conditioner or dehumidifier?
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Retrievr does not take stoves but will take mini refrigerators, window air conditioners, microwaves, and/or dehumidifiers for an additional fee.
- What happens to my electronics?
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Used electronics can be de-manufactured and sold for parts or scrap. Some electronics can be re-conditioned and sold.
- What are the fees?
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There is a $12.50 doorstep fee or:
- $38 doorstep fee for standard television and CRT monitors
- $105 per extra large TV, Rear Projection TV, or Wooden Cabinet TV
- $15 for a microwave
- $55 for each dehumidifier, window air conditioner, and mini refrigerator (under 50 pounds)
- Why is there a fee for some TVs and monitors?
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Some TVs and monitors are a challenge to recycle when they contain a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). These devices contain hazardous materials and disposal is extremely expensive. We must charge a convenience fee for their collection.
- How do I pay for my TVs?
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Retrievr has a secure account with Square to process credit card payments. After you schedule your collection, you will be sent a link to pay for your CRT TV or computer monitor in advance. Your card will only be charged after the collection is complete.
- Why is my rear projection TV or wooden cabinet TV more expensive to recycle than a standard-size TV?
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Their size and weight make them harder to handle.
- What happens to the information I provide to retrievr?
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Customer privacy is important to us. Read retrievr's privacy policy.
- My computers have personal information on them, how do I know they will be handled properly?
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Retrievr only uses responsible vendors who destroy personal information prior to scrapping or repurposing any device. Our professional staff controls the devices until they are securely delivered to certified electronics recycling companies.
If you have more questions about this program between the Township and retrievr, you may email Upper Providence Township or call the township at 610-565-4944.