For those of you that do save your cans and bottles, place them in a recycling can and put them out to the curb for the Town to take: it’s usually a small amount that accumulates over time and you think nothing of the refundable five cents that you were charged at purchase. You simply figure you are doing your part to help the environment and that is great. To others, that is money that we absolutely want back, but then it becomes a chore.
The bagging is easy enough, but then to clean them, finding the time to head over to a redemption site, and one by one slip the cans into the machine. It’s not difficult, but it is time consuming.
Then you take your slip and head over to the cashier to redeem and it never seems like enough to have invested the time and energy.
What if I told you there was a way to make it more simple, get your money back, and support a local business? A business who then hires local people, especially our entry-level youth. You would be in, right? It’s like a win – win to the ‘nth degree.
Located at 648 Horseblock Road in Farmingville is Miles Malone and his business of One Earth Deposits. You initially set up your name and information with him and at your convenience just drop off your bags of cans and bottles. Washed or not, it doesn’t matter. Just drop them off. He labels the bag with your last name and you are off. He counts and cleans the cans and bottles and separates for the purpose of which company wants them back to recycle. He keeps a running tally of all that you drop off and at intervals of your choosing, such as $10 or $20, he will send you your money via Venmo, Zelle, or other payment apps. So simple.
I met Miles as he explained his business to the members at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting. Easy, local, and money back. When Miles explained about Venmo-ing the money – he made a comment – “wherever you want me to send it to, maybe even a charity,” so considering for many years I have always left them at the curb and was not overly concerned about the refund, I thought what if I do this and send the money to a local person or organization who is doing great things for others right here in our community.
This started my own challenge to myself. I reached my $20 mark fairly quickly and I thought $20 dollars can help someone, but $50 dollars would be better. So, now I am actively looking for every can I can at work and at friends’ houses to get to this immediate goal. I already know who I will be sending it to: my friend, PJ Balzer. He and his wife, Catherine Gutierrez, do amazing work in the Shirley-Mastic area with providing assistance to many who are struggling, with a special focus on young moms to ensure that their babies get what they need. Diapers and formula can be ridiculously expensive. You may recognize the name PJ Balzer as he writes for The Messenger and is a valuable part of our team here.
So, now I pass the challenge on to you, whether it be you need a little extra cash to cover your own bills or you are in a position to send your refund to someone else, I challenge you. Start dropping your redeemable bottles and cans off at One Earth Deposits. Say hello to Miles. He’s a nice guy and he happens to be hiring right now. It’s a great job for a student or someone looking for a side gig. Want to learn more? Call Miles at 631-846-4243.
Want to learn a little more about PJ and Catherine? Follow them “The King’s Kids Christian Outreach Mastic Beach” on Facebook.
