The Town of Needham’s Swap Shop, located at the Recycling and Transfer Station (RTS), will become a seasonal operation effective this winter. The decision to close the shop during the winter months came after the Department of Public Works (DPW) reviewed its winter operations plan to determine how best to ensure the safety of the community during ice and snow season.
The Swap Shop’s new season will run from April 1 to November 30, in alignment with DPW’s winter operation.
“We know how much people value the Swap Shop, and we’re happy we can continue to host it when the weather is conducive to vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area,” said Public Works Director Carys Lustig. “However, our core mission is to provide for the safety and well-being of the community, which becomes much more challenging during snow and ice storms. Our winter operation truly requires an all-hands-on-deck approach so that our roads, schools, public buildings, sidewalk walking routes, and parking lots are clear for the public. We appreciate the community’s understanding and look forward to continuing to offer access to the Swap Shop in a way that ensures the safety of volunteers, pedestrians and staff.”
The Swap Shop is located near the entrance to the RTS, which means vehicles are often entering the area at a higher rate of speed. Those shopping for items or donating items are in close proximity to the vehicles that are entering and parking. In the winter, with snow and ice, this configuration makes the area even more dangerous.
While the Swap Shop will close December 1, the RTS will continue to offer book and textile recycling at the on-site drop-off bins.
There are a number of community Facebook pages where people may offer items they no longer need or want: Buy Nothing Needham, Needham Yard Sale, Be Kind Needham are a few. Savers, located in West Roxbury also accepts many household items.