Mass. Town Recycles Scrap Metal to Build Playground
The town of Swampscott, Mass. will begin construction on a new playground this summer with an eco-friendly twist. To help pay for the costs of construction, the city will be having two scrap metal recycling events on May 16 and May 30.
The events will take place during both Saturday mornings at Swampscott’s Public Works Department, located at 200 Paradise Road. Local business, Scrap-It, Inc. will collect and recycle the scrap metal, with 75 percent of the proceeds benefiting the playground project.
A 3D illustration of the proposed playground in Swampscott, Mass. Photo: Thedailyitemoflynn.com
Eligible metal includes everything from air conditioners to VCRs. Prohibited items include computer monitors and televisions, propane tanks, paint cans and anything else considered hazardous material.
“Here is your chance to clean out your house, garage, yard and your business of unwanted metal,” says Kevin Donaher of the playground committee. “The town gets credit for recycling, residents can dispose of unwanted metal and at the same time help the environment, and a large percent of the proceeds will go directly to the playground project.”
While $45,000 has already been set aside for the Jackson Park playground, the project was expected to cost over $100,000 when it was proposed almost two years ago. One idea being proposed to reduce costs is a community build day, where the public helps install the equipment.
Not only is there great value in recycling scrap metal, but it can be recycled infinitely with no loss of strength or quality. Recycled steel is commonly used in construction and car manufacturing.
