Dumpster divers risk bed bugs

Second-hand beds, mattresses and box springs in trash bins around town might be cheap alternatives to buying new furniture, but they can house infestations of bed bugs, said Dennis Wiliamson, environmental health specialist at the Monroe County Health Department.

“The number of people affected with bed bugs varies,” Williamson said. “No less than 3 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. is affected.”

Though Dumpster diving saves most recyclables from being thrown away and conserves money, the dangers — including bed bugs — that might arise outweigh anything found, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bacteria from rotting food line the walls of trash bins, and broken glass or improperly disposed of needles can also be harmful to divers.

If not scavenged by Dumpster divers, the furniture is picked up by disposal workers and taken to landfills where about 70 percent can be recycled, according to Bloomington Sanitation Services data.

But local organizations offer alternatives to overfilled trash bins by welcoming donated and recycled materials.

The Salvation Army, at 111 N. Rogers St., accepts discarded furniture and used household items. As the only Salvation store in the area, it’s constantly filled with donations from IU students, said Monica Clemons, director of social services at the Bloomington Salvation Army.
 
“It depends on the time of the year, but clothes are the highest-donated item that we get,” Clemons said. “Right now, because of the start of the school year, students are mostly bringing old furniture and household items to the store.”

Though the store owns several storage units for overstocked objects, the Salvation Army aims to move things in and out of the store as quickly as possible.

“So overcrowding does not occur in the store, we host big sales throughout the year,” Clemons said. “Students also receive a 10 percent discount for everything in the store all year long with an ID.”

Looking to recycle?

There are bins and locations around the city that accept recyclable goods including paper, plastic and aluminum.

Downtown Recycling Center

Find it at 10th and Rogers streets, behind City Hall.

Opened last year, the center’s main purpose is to provide residents with a place to recycle goods.

The center is a partnership between the City of Bloomington, Pedal Power and the Monroe County Solid Waste District.

Chad Roeder, project manager of the recycling center, said he’d like there to be more recycling bins than trash bins around town.

“Payment is given by the weight of recyclables donated, and cardboard boxes are the top materials,” he said.

IU Dorms

Many campus buildings, including dorms, have recycling bins available.

“Any guests of Briscoe or anyone that needs a place to dispose of things are welcome to use the bins,” said Megan Van Pelt, Briscoe Quad president. “But it’s all a matter of the residents making the right choice to recycle and giving a little extra effort.”