Serving Eastern Pennsylvania, Central and Southern New Jersey, and Delaware
Serving Eastern Pennsylvania, Central and Southern New Jersey, and Delaware
The NAPO National Conference was held in Pittsburgh, PA this year, and I was fortunate enough to attend. While there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how grateful I was to have the opportunity to travel with my colleagues and learn from some of the best! My motto is to always have an ‘attitude of gratitude,’ and below are a few of my ‘takeaway’ gifts.
The first gift I received was back in December 2016 at our NAPO-GPC holiday party when I was chosen as the recipient of the NAPO-GPC scholarship. This scholarship enables one qualifying member to attend the conference. Most don’t realize that although I had sent in payment, early on, to reserve my spot, I had been debating on pulling out of going due to other family commitments. Upon the advice of my friend and colleague, she suggested that I wait until after our holiday gathering to make my decision. I am so grateful that I took her advice!
The second gift I received was the undisputed educational opportunity to grow personally and professionally. The keynote speaker was Jones Loflin, and he presented “How To Blossom Even In Times Of Change.” He spoke about the need to cultivate, prune, and accept change. He also spoke to us about the ability to harvest even in times of change. I walked away from his address with a newfound appreciation for growth, and I am looking forward to implementing his examples and expertise. I had the opportunity to choose from many ‘breakout sessions’ and a few of my favorites were the TED Talk Discussion – ‘Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator’ facilitated by our very own Debbie Lilliard, ‘How to Get and Keep Media Attention’ by Paula Rizzo and Terri Trespicio (the dynamic duo), ‘Busily Unproductive’ by Zachary Sexton, and ‘9 Technology Tools to Skyrocket Productivity’ by Amy Payne and Brooks Duncan. Honestly, it was not an easy decision as there were well over 45 sessions to choose from.
Lastly, and most importantly, the greatest gift I received was the ever-present ‘collaboration over competition‘. I have always felt this with my local GPC chapter, but to experience this with well over 600 attendees was astounding. Our NAPO National motto has always been “together we are better,” and to be amongst my peers and feel their sincere desire to see me grow professionally and personally is the greatest gift by far.
Most people want to do the right thing and recycle, but sometimes it’s not easy. Outdated electronics, cans of oil-based paint, and piles of unwanted confidential documents take up valuable space in the basement or garage because you don’t know what to do with them. These things need to be discarded — but how?
There is confusion about recycling. Which things are considered household recycling and which are hazardous waste? You may be surprised to learn that nail polish is hazardous waste. Cellphones are hazardous waste, too. To add to the confusion, companies that pick up your household trash differ in what they accept: some take plastic containers marked 1 through 3 and others take 1 through 7. It’s no wonder people may be reluctant to recycle.
To help make it easier to get rid of your unwanted stuff, follow this list for electronics and hazardous waste recycling and shredding events through the fall in the Greater Philadelphia area. Events are either free or low-cost.
Note: Household batteries can be tossed with regular trash. However, for those with terminals on the same side (such as 6V, 9V or 12V) and button-cell batteries (used in watches, greeting cards and hearing aids), it is important to cover both ends with masking tape to reduce the risk of short-circuiting and fire. For the more common batteries (AA, AAA, C and D), cover the positive terminal (“+”) with masking tape.
Electronics Recycling
Following are permanent drop-off locations for four southeastern PA counties
(At the time of this post, no information for Bucks County was found).
Chester County
Chester County Solid Waste Authority accepts computers and peripherals at the Lanchester Landfill, 7224 28th Division Hwy — Contact Narvon at 610-273-3771
South East Chester County Refuse Authority
219 Street Road, West Grove 19390 — Contact Dawn Robinson at 610-869-2452 (ext. 11)
West Chester Borough
205 Lacey Street, West Chester 19382 — Contact Meghan Fogarty at 610-696-5282
Delaware County
Marple Township offers free electronic recycling to residents at:
Marple Township
446 Marpit Rd. Bromall 19008 — Contact Joe Romano at 610-356-4040
Springfield Township offers free electronic recycling to residents at:
Springfield Delco Public Works
1258 Church Rd., Springfield 19064 — Contact Jeff Bickel at 610-543-2837
Police Court Yard 24/7 or Public Works Facility 7 am – 3:30 pm
Montgomery County
Cheltenham Township – Residents can recycle electronics at:
Cheltenham Township Public Works Facility
8101 Old York Rd., Elkins Park 19027 — Contact William Ferrari at 215-635-4600
Mon. to Fri. 8 am – 3:30 pm, Sat. 10 am – 2 pm
East Greenville Recycling Center
620 West Side Alley, Pennsburg 18073 — 215-679-5194
Mon. to Fri. 7:30 am – 3:30 pm, Sat. 8 am – 12 pm
Lower Merion Township residents can recycle electronics at:
Robert J. Koegel Public Works Complex
1300 N. Woodbine Ave., Penn Valley 19072
Contact Joseph Przybyszewski at 610-667-1952
Mon. to Fri. 8 am – 3 pm, Sat. 9 am – 2:30 pm
Philadelphia County
Computers, monitors, TVs, cellphones and other e-waste are accepted at all HHW locations for residents only. Sanitation Convenience Centers are open Monday through Saturday, 8 am – 6 pm except City holidays. Click here for more info. See locations below.
West Philadelphia
5100 Grays Ave., 215-685-2600
Strawberry Mansion
2601 W. Glenwood Ave., 215-685-3981
Southwest Philadelphia
3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Avenue, 215-685-4290
Northwest Philadelphia
300 block Domino Lane, near Umbria Street, 215-685-2502
Northeast Philadelphia
State Rd. & Ashburner Street, 215-685-8072
In addition –
Best Buy accepts most electronics and large appliances from residential customers at no charge.
Staples offers free technology recycling.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
HHW events are from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, July 11
Spring-Ford 9th Grade Center (Montgomery County), 400 South Lewis Road, Royersford
Thursday, July 16
Streets Department Training Center (City of Philadelphia), 8401 State Rd. at Ashburner St., Philadelphia
Saturday, July 25
Central Bucks South High School (Bucks County), 1100 Folly Rd. Warrington
(enter off Pickertown Rd.)
Saturday, August 8
Abington Middle School (Montgomery County), 2056 Susquehanna Road, Abington
Saturday, August 15
Quakertown High School (Bucks County), 600 Park Ave., Quakertown
Saturday, August 22
Bucks County Technical High School (Bucks County), 610 Wistar Rd., Fairless Hills, (Bristol Township)
Saturday, September 12
Oxford School District Administration Bldg. (Chester County),125 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford
Saturday, September 19
Streets Department 3rd District Highway Yard (City of Philadelphia), 22nd St. & York St., Philadelphia
Sunday, September 20
Penn State University-Brandywine Campus (Delaware County), 25 Yearsley Mill Rd (Route #352), Media
Saturday, October 10
Streets Dept. Facility (City of Philadelphia), 3033 South 63rd St. (NW of Passyunk Ave.), Philadelphia
Government Services Center (Chester County), 601 Westtown Rd., West Chester
Saturday, October 17
Emergency Services Training Center (Delaware County), 1700 Calcon Hook Rd., Sharon Hill (Darby Twp.)
Sunday, October 18
Lower Merion Twp Public Works (Montgomery County), 1300 N. Woodbine Ave.(Lower Merion Twp.), Penn Valley
Saturday, November 7
Streets Department Northeast Facility (City of Philadelphia), 3901 Delaware Ave. (between Castor & Lewis, near Allegheny exit of I-95), Philadelphia
Shredding Events: There is no need to remove paper clips or staples.
Saturday, July 18, 2015, 10:00 – 12:00
Bryn Mawr Trust, Swarthmore Office, 330 Dartmouth Avenue, Swarthmore 19081
(610-328-9998)
Bryn Mawr Trust, Bala Cynwyd Office, 135 E. City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd 19004
(610-664-6293)
Saturday, August 15, 9:00 – 12:00
Montgomery County Commissioners, Abington Junior High School, 2056 Susquehanna Road, Abington (Montco residents only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events
Saturday, September 19
Inspire Federal Credit Union, Oxford Valley Mall, 2300 E. Lincoln Hwy Langhorne http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx
11:00 – 1:00
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, 12800 Townsend Road, Philadelphia
Saturday, September 26, 9:00 – 11:00
First National Bank & Trust of Newtown, Bucks County Community College
272 Swamp Rd., Newtown
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx
Saturday, October 3, 9:00 – 11:00
Middletown Township, 3 Municipal Way, Langhorne 19047 http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx
Sunday, October 4, 9:00 – 12:00
Montgomery County Commissioners, Lower Merion Transfer Station, 1300 North Woodbine Avenue, Penn Valley (Montgomery County residents only)
http://www.shredone.com/shredding-services/community-shredding-events
Saturday, October 17, 9:00 – 11:30
Merck, Sharp & Dohme Federal Credit Union, Harleysville Branch, 665 Main Street, Harleysville
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx
9:00 – 12:00
Abington Township Public Works, 2201 Florey Lane Abington (residents only)
Monthly Community Shredding Events by Titan Shredding
First Friday of Every Month — 8:30 – 9:30
Bailiwick Office Park, 252 West Swamp Road (Rt 313 & Rt 611 Bypass), Doylestown
Second Tuesday of Every Month — 8:30 – 9:30
Upper Moreland Twp. Library, 117 Park Avenue (off Rt. 611 in Police Dept. parking lot), Willow Grove
Third Thursday of Every Month — 12:00 – 1:00
Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley
NOTICE FROM TITAN: Titan Mobile Shredding events may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Call 267-362-4249 with questions, $10 for each copy paper box or equivalent (cash or check), one box minimum, no maximum box quantity, no reservation required.
More events probably will be added in the fall so check your sources for local information. Some politicians host shredding events, so you can also contact your elected officials.
You are encouraged to recycle and shred whenever possible. If you need other options, search online to locate events. Find out the regulations and disposal methods in your area by contacting your trash hauler or local government office.
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the information provided. Please verify dates, times, residency requirements, fees, quantity limits and what’s acceptable before going. There may be more events than these so you may want to check other sources.
We thank you for your participation. It feels good to do good!
Along with four other Professional Organizers, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of the Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force and was excited to find out that we are NOT ALONE!
The result of hoarding behaviors touches countless lives. The most obvious is the lives of those with hoarding habits, those who live with them, their children, family members, and close friends. Maybe, less obvious, is the effect of this life style on their surrounding communities. Often times there have been multiple attempts to deal with and support those with hoarding habits resulting in little change and outcomes that don’t last long. Interventions usually focus on having the person divest themselves of things that clutter their living spaces. Frustration, hard feelings are the typical results as little seems to penetrate the multifaceted web of commingled issues, emotions and unrelenting habits that have, more likely than not, spanned the individual’s life time.
This particular and persistent practice of collecting is the manifestation of a complex network of interpretations for the person who engages in hoarding behaviors. For many who are observing these hoarding tendencies, it is virtually impossible to understand, decipher, and make sense of the complexities involved in the condition. Working side by side with clients who engage in hoarding behaviors, I have heard very elaborate and creative explanations for their holding on to what looks like, to anyone else, seemingly useless items. Their ‘need’ to save things is logical in their view, however, the result of their logic is counterproductive to their desire to alleviate their situation that impacts themselves, their loved ones, and in some cases, their community.
Because the result of hoarding behaviors looks like disorganization and clutter, at first glance, it would seem like working with hoarding situations is perfectly suited for the organizing profession. Initially, that was the thinking of the pioneers of our profession until they began to notice that successful organizing methodologies, principles, and products did not seem to work with certain clients. During those early years, organizers tried to impact situations where shower rods became alternate hanging spaces for clothes, dining room tables became storage for piles of papers often flowing over to the accompanying chairs, and beds housed everything else leaving little to no room for the owner. The result, a sub group of NAPO was birthed. Back then it was called NSGCD (The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization). Today, it is its own independent organization called The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (www.ChallengingDisorganization.org). Their mission is to provide education, research, and strategies to benefit people challenged by chronic disorganization.
Working with these situations for the past 11 years as well as being a member of NAPO and ICD, I have learned that simply talking about the ‘stuff’ with clients is limiting and often times futile. Getting to the reasons and explanations for their need to hold on to items helps to unlock the interpretation that justifies their hoarding behaviors and often times can loosen the grip of their ‘need’ to hold on to things. However, delving into the root cause of these tendencies is outside an organizer’s skill set and training. Teaming up with other professionals such as social workers and therapists, offers more hope for longer-lasting results.
Finding these opportunities to team up with other professionals working with people challenged with chronic disorganization has not been easy until recently when the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of NAPO (NAPO-GPC) was contacted and invited to participate on the Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force. An impressive list of local organizers accepted the invitation, and it was love at first meeting! Finally, we are NOT ALONE in our work with these clients!
Still in its infancy, the mission of the Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force, co-chaired by David Wengert from the Community Legal Services and Katherine Martin, Deputy Policy Director from the Mayor’s office, is to “ensure positive outcomes for those individuals who are impacted by hoarding.” Although the Task Force does not provide direct services, its role is to ensure access to resources, training for provider organizations, and education about hoarding in Greater Philadelphia”. The meeting that I attended with four of my collogues was comprised of representatives from the Philadelphia Police and Fire Department, Licenses & Inspections, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, and Clutterers Anonymous, to name a few. Each of the representatives brought their unique perspective to the meeting. The shared conclusions was that the work of the Task Force should focus on the individual, not the problem, i.e. the ‘stuff’ and that this perspective should permeate all efforts made by the Task Force, especially in the educational trainings it provides.
A shared understanding of the complexity that leads to hoarding behaviors among the organizations that confront these circumstances, along with sharing resources, expertise, accountabilities, and services, was music to all of our ears!
Finally, we as organizers, can say, we are NOT ALONE in our work with clients who are struggling with habits of hoarding! Collaborating with other professionals helps us offer those challenged by hoarding habits a more holistic service approach, and a hopeful future.
Suggested Resources:
Tulips, lawnmowers, graduations, home sales… these are all signs that spring is here and, with it, new beginnings.
Here in our NAPO-Greater Philadelphia Chapter, we are also looking at new beginnings. May is the month that NAPO starts its new board term. Volunteers who have served the chapter over the past year have either chosen to remain in their positions, continuing to pursue their goals and enhance their knowledge of and through this incredible organization, or to move on to other equally challenging and rewarding positions.
You see, NAPO-GPC is a professional organization comprised of solo entrepreneurs who come together to serve in volunteer positions and create something akin to a very highly efficient corporation. We serve on boards and organize recycling events, we post weekly blogs and maintain a group website, we host quality educational programs and mentor new organizers, we provide speakers for area home shows and volunteers for local charities. We create annual strategic plans and work all year to actually achieve them – and we do! And we do this all for free.
Crazy right? We can’t really have sustainable businesses and still do all of this – can we? Yes, we can. And we do.
Don’t get me wrong; we’re not a bunch of martyrs. There is a method to our madness! “Volunteering” is another way of getting what we want. And, as business-owners, what do we want? – We want to learn new skills specific to our profession. We want to find out about business development techniques & technologies that can help us grow our businesses. We want the time to volunteer in our communities and make a difference. We want networking opportunities that will benefit our careers.
In our businesses, the approximate 80 professional organizers and corporate associate members that make up NAPO-GPC are out there every day in the communities of Greater Philadelphia organizing offices and homes, helping hoarders and families and business men and women to create greater order, peace and prosperity in their lives.
I am very fortunate to be a part of all of this and, as NAPO-GPC President starting my second term, I would like to thank all of the volunteers that make this organization the shining success that it is (from the blog editor who is posting this letter for me to all the members who choose to serve on the Membership, Technology, Marketing or Professional Development teams). Specifically I thank the outgoing board members who have done so much to serve this chapter: Ellen Tozzi, Jackie Mangasarian, Dan Loya, Barbara Siegel and Carla Shipman.
Next, I would like to acknowledge the new Board of Directors that will serve with me and who are already up and running: Vice President, Debbie Lillard; Past-President, Kathy Luskus; Secretary, Naomi Cook; Treasurer, Emily Anderson; Communications & Technology Director, Gabrielle Watters-Smith; Marketing Director, Darla Pompilio; Membership Director, Annie Amoon Richard; and Professional Development Director, Rachel Gambone.
Finally, I am going to take a brazen and shameless moment to claim bragging rights as one of our NAPO-GPC members becomes President-Elect of the National Association of Professional Organizers. Congratulations to our very own Ellen Faye!
I look forward to another year of education, community, achievement and fun with this amazing group of professionals!
Here is a list of breitling replica shredding events in the Delaware Valley. If you are planning to attend an event, it’s wise to check the website or to call or e-mail to make sure the event isn’t canceled due to weather or other circumstances.
If you can’t wait for an event, try drop-off shredding services from Staples, Office Depot, Wiggins, or Mail Source (Springfield) for about $1 per pound.
Happy shredding!
Saturday, May 31 10 am – 12 pm Philadelphia
Passyunk Square Civic Association (PSCA)
1400 East Passyunk Avenue & Reed Philadelphia, PA 19147
Friday, June 6 3 pm – 5:30 pm West Chester
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php
Saturday, June 21 9 am – 12 pm Glenside Residents Only
Copper Beach Elementary School
825 North Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038
http://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/6715
http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events
Saturday, June 21 10 am – 12 pm West Chester
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php
Saturday, June 28 9 am – 12 pm Doylestown
Doylestown EAC Central Park
Wells Road Doylestown, PA 18901
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, July 12 9 am – 12 pm Abington Residents only
Abington Township Public Works
2201 Florey Lane Abington, PA 19001
http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events
Here is a list of rolex replica shredding events in the Delaware Valley. If you are planning to attend an event, it’s wise to check the website or call or e-mail to make sure the event isn’t iphone 5c refurbished canceled due to weather or other circumstances.
If you can’t wait for an event, try drop-off shredding services from Staples, Office Depot, Wiggins, or Mail Source (Springfield) for about $1 per pound.
Happy shredding!
Friday, May 2 3 pm – 5:30 pm West Chester
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags — 1301 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00 http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php
Saturday, May 3 9 am – 12 pm Buckingham
Buckingham Township Public Works Building — Residents Only
4991 Upper Mountain Road, Buckingham, PA 18912
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 3 9 am – 11 am Newtown
First National Bank & Trust of Newtown — Bucks County Community College
272 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 3 9 am – 11 am
Middletown Township (Residents only) — 3 Municipal Way, Langhorne, PA 19047
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 3 10 am – 1 pm Lawrenceville
Rider University Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni only
Rider University General Services Building
2083 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
http://www.shredone.com/community-shredding-events
Saturday, May 3 8 am – 12 pm Phoenixville
Schuykill Township
(CAT Pickering on Charlestown Road)
1580 Charlestown Road Phoenixville, PA 19460
Saturday, May 3 10 am – 12 pm Ridley Park
State Rep. Nick Miccarelli
605 E. Chester Pike Ridley Park, PA 19078
Saturday, May 3 1 pm – 3 pm Dallastown
York Township
190 Oak Road Dallastown, PA 17313
Saturday, May 10 9 – 1 pm Oaks
State Rep Warren Kampf
422 Business Center Mill Road Oaks, PA 19456
Saturday, May 10 9 am – 11:30 am Philadelphia
State Rep. Mike McGeehan
Linden Avenue Boat Launch
Linden Ave. & Delaware Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19114
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 10 9 am – 12 pm Philadelphia
State Senator Stack
Parkwood Shopping Center
12361 Academy Road Philadelphia, PA 19114
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 10 9 am – 12 pm
First Federal of Bucks County
Bucks County Community College – Lower Bucks
1304 Veterans Highway Bristol, PA 19007
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 17 9 am – 12 pm
Borough of Media
301 North Jackson Street Media, PA 19063
Saturday, May 17 9 am – 12 pm
Bucks First Federal Credit Union
Bucks County Tech. High School
610 Wistar Road Fairless Hills, PA 19030
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 17 10 am – 12 pm West Chester
West Chester Wiggins Auto Tags
1301 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19380
2 paper grocery bags are $10.00
http://www.wigginsshredding.com/residential/tear-fests.php
Saturday, May 17 9 am – 11 am Easton
Williams Township
Municipal Office
655 Cider Press Road Easton, PA 18042
(Residents only)
http://www.titanshredding.com/Community-Shredding-Services.aspx#calendar
Saturday, May 31 10 am – 12 pm Philadelphia
Passyunk Square Civic Association (PSCA)
1400 East Passyunk Avenue & Reed Philadelphia, PA 19147
