Delaware Reuse Guide: Reuse Opportunities
Page Contents
Automobiles Donations Libraries Repair and Maintenance Rental Other Reuse Opportunities
Automobiles
What To Do With Your Old Jalopy?
If the life of your car is coming to its end or you have a car you no longer need, there is still life after death! One option is to donate the car to a local or national charity. Most charities prefer cars to be in good driveable condition. Another option is to call your local junkyard. Often a small amount of money will be exchanged for your car. But remember - your car will live on in other people's cars!
To donate your vehicle, call the American Lung Association of Delaware at:
(302) 655-7258
Purchase Used Tires
Most tire dealers carry used tires in stock. Dealers specializing in used tires will carry a large selection. Look in the yellow pages of your telephone book for dealers that sell used tires.
Purchase Used Oil
Motor oil never wears out, it just gets dirty. Oil can be recycled (re-refined) and used over and over again. Recycled oil is just as good as oil made from virgin crude. You can often find re-refined oil in automotive supply stores.
Car Repairs
How worthwhile a repair investment is can depend on several factors. It's important to weigh the cost of repairing and maintaining a vehicle versus purchasing a new or used one. Preventive maintenance is the most effective means of protecting the life of your car. Checking the brakes, transmission, and suspension system regularly is important. Following manufacturer's instructions on changing fluids (especially oil), filters, belts, tire pressures and cleaning is also helpful. Thermostats, exhaust sensors, and other electronic controls should be replaced every 60,000 miles or so.
Dent Pro, Inc.
RD 2 Box 380H
Seaford, DE 19973
Repair small dents and dings ("paintless dent repair")
Kincaid Koatings
715 Stanton Christiana Road
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 992-7974
Repair and paint autos, motorcycles, sheetmetal, wrought iron, etc.
Check the Yellow Pages under:
Automobile - Body Repairing and Painting
Automobiles - Repairing and Service
Automotive Materials
The automotive industry has one of the most highly developed recycling and remanufacturing infrastructures in the world. Besides auto salvage recycling operations which recover steel, there are many operations that specialize in such things as tire retreading, auto part refurbishment and remanufacturing, and used oil re-refining.
For businesses with vehicle fleets, examination of the potential savings associated with the use of retreaded tires and used auto parts should be considered. Use of re-refined oil is also a good way to send an environmental message to customers and clients, plus it helps reduce the consumption of raw materials.
Auto Parts
The automotive industry has always been committed to efficiency and conservation and has developed a continually advancing remanufacturing and recovery process for salvageable parts. In the 1990s a national group formed by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler called the Vehicle Recycling Partnership (VRP) began to study the full potential of disassembly, recycling and reuse given changes in automobile and manufacturing techniques.
Modern automotive recycling involves the separation of hazardous and recyclable fluids from vehicles, dismantling, cleaning, testing, inventorying and storage of undamaged parts, and then scrapping of the remaining "hulk." Auto recyclers use computer and satellite communication systems that enable them to conduct direct inventory assessments and to locate parts across a city or across a continent. This allows them to maximize their inventories and provide efficient service to customers. Used automotive parts often sell for approximately 50% of the cost for new ones.
Retread Tires
Delaware has a number of companies specializing in tire retreading and repair.
What is tire retreading?
1. The tire is inspected visually and mechanically for defects
2. If the body is sound, the old tread is buffed off
3. A new layer of rubber is added and a new tread is placed on top
4. The tire is then vulcanized (cured)
Check the Yellow Pages under:
Tire - Retreading and Repairing
Tire Maintenance
Maintaining tires properly can help your tires last longer, save you money on replacements and gas, and reduce the number of tires requiring disposal.
Keep tires balanced, aligned and inflated at the recommended pressure to avoid uneven and premature wear.
5% of a car's fuel is wasted by under-inflated tires because of an increase in "rolling resistance."
Rotate tires every 4,000-6,000 miles for even wear and longer lasting tires.
Drive the speed limit. Higher speeds increase tire temperature, cause extra wear and often reduce fuel efficiency.
Donations
There are numerous charitable organizations in Delaware. Many of these organizations depend on donations from people to fulfill their missions. Some of these organizations are listed below. If you know of an organization not listed here, make sure to fill out the form in the back of this Guide (called Help Us Make This Guide Better) and send it in so that the next edition will be even more informative.
American Lung Association of Delaware (302) 655-7258
Catholic Charities (302) 764-2717
donations and home pick-up
Food Bank of Delaware, Inc. (302) 292-1305
Goodwill(302) 761-4646
donations and home pick-up
Ministry of Caring (302) 652-5523
distribution center
The Salvation Army (302) 376-7746
The Food Bank of Delaware - A not-for-profit, organization whose mission
is "a community free from hunger." They provide low-cost and no-cost food to
nearly 200 member organizations for distribution to the needy. The Food Bank of Delaware is a member of Second Harvest, a national network of food banks. They are also a member of Food Chain, a national organization that collects
prepared and perishable food for distribution to charitable organizations serving people in need. In the past year, the Food Bank of Delaware has distributed 7.5 million pounds of product. They have numerous special projects and many major donors. For more information on how to help out, call (302) 292-1305 or
contact them by E-mail at foodbank@delanet.com.
Libraries
With just a library card, you can borrow books, audio recordings, video cassettes and books-on-tape. If your local library does not carry what you're looking for, smaller libraries can borrow items from larger libraries. Many libraries, in addition to lending books, offer workshops on different topics, activities for children, current newspapers and magazines.
More than Just Books
Video cassettes
Audio cassettes
Compact disks
Vinyl disks
Puppets for loan
Educational toys
Craftmaking
Storytelling
Newspapers
Magazines
Large print books
Business directories
Books-on-tape
Business and professional journals
Internet access
Computer software
Workshops and Training Programs
Donate Old Books to Libraries
Books live over and over again when they become part of library collections. In addition, most libraries have annual book sales to raise money and clean out old books from the library stacks. Books you donate can also help libraries raise money. And after the sale, larger libraries often donate books to smaller libraries and community service groups.
Contact Your Main Library
Call or visit your local library to learn about all of their programs and services. Make sure to find out about book donation policies and book fund raising sales.
Kent County - 302-736-2265
New Castle County - 302-395-5680 (New Castle County Department of Community Services)
Sussex County - 302-855-7890
Wilmington - 302-571-7400 (Wilmington Institute Libraries)
Delaware Libraries Are On-line
Delaware's many libraries are now accessible on-line at http://www.lib.de.us/index.shtml
This web site is a joint project of the Delaware Division of Libraries, Delaware Public Libraries, and Delaware Technical and Community College.
For access to detailed information on all of Delaware's libraries, go to http://www.lib.de.us/libraries/de-libs/index.shtml
You can even access many of the state's public library catalog systems direct from your computer on the Internet. Library locations and hours of operation are also available. You can even gain access to on-line library systems throughout the United States.
Repair and Maintenance
You probably have useable appliances, tools, equipment, furniture, clothing, or supplies around the home or office that could be "good as new," if you had them repaired. When you repair goods rather than throw them away, you prevent waste. People often don't repair things because they don't know who can make the repairs and they may not have time to find out. This Guide is intended to simplify that process.
Bathroom Remodeling
Do-it-yourself kits are available for porcelain bathroom fixtures. Fix cracks, chips, and scratches by filling in the gaps and restoring the glaze. Tubs can be renewed by resurfacing, reglazing or installing a new liner. Tub renewal takes place on site and only takes a day or two. Reglazing can cost 25% less than a new tub and comes with warranties up to 10 years.
Cameras
Have your camera cleaned regularly and repaired if damaged. Local camera shops will repair cameras onsite or ship them to a specialist. Camera manufacturers can also refer owners to repair outlets and locations.
Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuum cleaners are durable products, but they require special maintenance and repair in order to ensure a long life. Many stores that specialize in vacuum cleaners offer repair services as well as parts and bags. Vacuum cleaner repair shops also often carry parts and equipment for older models. If you cannot find someone locally to repair your vacuum cleaner or provide new or missing parts, contact the manufacturer directly. Remember too that reconditioned and refurbished machines can also be purchased at local service stores.
Tips on Buying and Maintaining Durable Products
Before making a major purchase, be sure to do research in consumer
magazines (these can be found at your local library!)
Choose high quality products with good maintenance and repair ratings.
A little more money up front often goes a long way to saving much more money over the life of the product
Look for products that can be easily repaired - especially by you!
Look for products with long warranties.
Don't buy a product without looking at the owner's manual carefully. Make sure you understand maintenance, repair and operating instructions.
Rental
Some of the businesses listed in this Guide also rent the same items they repair. Renting may be just the answer for you if you only need to use something once in a while, or occasionally, instead of buying items for periodic use. For instance, for a party, consider renting glassware, silver, and cloth napkins, rather than buying disposables. The same may be true for a number of power tools or seldom-used appliances. This even applies to clothing for specific events. You probably already know about renting formal wear but you may not know that you can rent just a shirt, tie or whatever you need instead of the whole suit. Costume rental is also an obvious option here. Renting goods saves storage space and maintenance costs. Many rental shops will help you with hands-on instructions on how to use what you are renting. Some shops even provide pick-up and delivery service.
If you need something for only a short amount of time or on a periodic basis, consider renting it. Renting items means you don't have to pay for maintenance or storage. Renting also reduces manufacturing needs and conserves resources, which is good for the environment.
Tools and Equipment
Small tools and machines for home and car repair can be rented at hardware stores or rental service businesses (some of which are listed in this directory). Examples include chainsaws, paint sprayers, demolition hammers, concrete saws, carpet cleaners, floor sanders, snowblowers, leafblowers and specialized ladders.
Party Supplies
Renting supplies or equipment can sometimes help make a party or special event unique. Did you know you can rent an antique popcorn popping machine for a special event? You can also rent coffee makers, concession equipment, candelabras, port-a-potties, and even portable bars.
Sporting Goods
Chances are you already know that you can rent bicycles or skis when you are on vacation, but have you thought about renting in-line skates to try them out before you buy them? Did you know that you can rent tennis racquets, kayaks, canoes, and fishing and camping gear? Some stores even give workshops and lessons on how to use equipment.
Broken Refrigerator?
Did you know you can rent a refrigerator? If you have an appliance that is not working and you need another one until you can repair yours or buy another, think about renting a substitute. You can rent large appliances like freezers, microwaves, washers, dryers, air conditioners and even vacuum cleaners.
Musical Instruments
If you want to learn how to play a musical instrument, consider renting it. Most music stores rent instruments including violins, drum sets, guitars, pianos, trumpets, trombones, and woodwinds. Once you've decided to make a commitment to the instrument, many music stores will sell you used instruments or even the instrument you chose to rent.
Computer Systems
Sometimes you may need a special high-powered computer, printer, digital camera, or other peripheral for a project or semester at school. Many computer stores will rent or lease equipment for a few days or up to a year.
There are many businesses and agencies listed in this Guide to help you buy, sell and donate usable goods. Here are some other reuse opportunities.
Antique Stores
Antique stores specialize in items that are desirable to collectors, so many items will be more expensive than at the corner thrift shop or flea market. Listings for antique stores can be found in telephone books in addition to this Guide.
Check the Yellow Pages under:
Antiques - Dealers
Antiques - Repairing and Restoring
Auctions
Numerous auctions are held in Delaware regularly throughout the year. Auctions are often advertised in regional and local papers. Special estate auctions, auctions coordinated by municipalities, churches, or other organizations as fundraisers are often announced in the classified section of newspapers. Local police departments also occasionally hold auctions for confiscated property. Announcements for police auctions are listed in newspapers, or you can call your local department for information. Auctioneers are also listed in telephone books.
Check the Yellow Pages under:
Auctioneers
Bargain-Hunter Publications
Classified ads and special newspapers geared for bargain hunters are great places to find specific used items for which you are looking. These publications are also a great outlet to advertise items you want to sell.
Materials Exchange Programs
Materials exchange programs link businesses that have something they no longer want with parties looking for that "something." Exchange programs work on the principle that one person's trash is another person's treasure.
There are a number of specialized waste exchange programs throughout the United States and Canada that may be accessed by telephone or on the Internet (see Resources).
The Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership operates the Delaware Recycling Exchange. For more information visit http://www.demep.org
Tag, Garage and Yard Sales
Clean out items in your basement and attic by setting up a tag sale at your home or find some great deals at neighborhood tag sales. Some people have made tag-sale-hopping a favorite pastime!
Many tag sales will be listed in the classified section of your local or neighborhood newspaper. They are usually held on Saturdays, and may include multiple households. Churches, schools, daycare centers, and community organizations will often hold tag sales as fundraisers, relying on community contributions of items to run their events. This is a great way to get rid of all those useful things at once while supporting a charitable organization.
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