When shoppers think Savers stores, the first thing that comes to mind is discounted clothes, toys, shoes and household goods.

"We put out at least 35,000 to 45,000 items per week,” said Jon Hagen, Savers retail sales manager.

But beyond the shelves, there's a greater journey these items take.

  • Savers across the region are hoping you’ll recycle your spring cleaning at the thrift shop.
  • The chain nationwide keeps between 600 and 700 million pounds of waste out of landfills each year.
  • Some donations help local non-profits, while others are sent to third world countries.

"Everyone thinks that when they donate the money goes back our pockets,” Hagen said. “But there is a whole other system besides the retail side of it."

Hagen said it starts with their color tag system. Items stay on the floor for up to six weeks.

And after that?

"We'll bring it back and it will get recycled, just like the things that had stains or holes," Hagen explained. "We recycle about 40,000 pounds of items from just this side alone."

 

 

That other side is where Larry Franusiak comes in.

With Earth Day approaching, he and his team are trying to get the word out Savers is the place to donate.

Franusiak said unused items will be recycled properly, or be donated through Savers’ 'Get to Give' program.

"We will go to senior centers, schools or pet rescues," Franusiak said.

Some items will head overseas.

"We will donate to third world countries like Guam or Africa," Franusiak said.

High-heeled shoes become gardening tools. Other times, like clothes are taken apart and remade with the yarn.

 

 

"On average, we keep between 600 and 700 million pounds out of landfills," Franusiak said.

Savers doesn’t just recycle its own wares. At the front of each Saver store are green bins in which items can be replaced. For those with larger hauls, the Tonawanda location has a drive in drop-off.

"On a daily basis, we are probably dealing with 10,000 pounds of product," Franusiak said.

Franusiak said for them, the saying “one person’s  trash is someone else's treasure” couldn't be more true. He hopes people keep that message in mind as they spring clean and Earth Day approaches.

"Someone who might think something isn't worth anything could mean the world to someone else,” Franusiak said.

Donations can be made at the two Savers locations in the Tonawanda area between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.