Recycle

Recycling versus Reuse

For hours and fees, see the appropriate pages shown in navigation bar to the left: "Business", "Residential", etc. Our addresses are on the bottom of every page of this web site. For an overview of Recycling versus Reuse, please continue reading.

Recycling is not the most effective way to keep computers and other technology out of landfills. A more important goal for us at NextStep is reuse. However, when electronics come into our receiving area that we can't grant or sell at a low cost in our ReUSE Store, they are sent to our recycling warehouse for dismantling. Almost all of the electronics deconstruction is done by volunteers - many of whom have come to NextStep to receive job and/or social skills training.

NextStep Recycling is proud of the fact that, since we became a nonprofit in 2002, we have recycled hundreds of tons of ewaste--responsibly. NextStep sends its recyclable materials to Northwest vendors - and nothing is ever sent overseas for processing.

What do we recycle? Well, for the most part, if it plugs in or runs on batteries, we take it. If you're interested in a tour, please call 541.686.2366 and sign yourself up. We're always delighted to show community members what it is we're doing with they materials they no longer have a use for.

If you'd like to participate in our more urgent goal of reuse, please visit our ReUSE Stores in Eugene and Springfield. You can also check out our products on the web on Craig's list and eBay, or visit our new online store.

You might also do some research on reuse versus recycling yourself and tell us what you found out. Here's something to get you started: According to research by Professor Williams, a researcher at the United Nations University, re-using a computer is 20 times more effective at saving life-cycle energy use than recycling. In general, we all need to learn how to use less stuff and to make our stuff last longer. For a lighthearted, informative video that tells the story of suff, check out this video, then come back and tell us what you think: http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Thanks for supporting NextStep. If you want to visit us here in Eugene and Springfield, don't forget that we are closed on Mondays.