Coronavirus 2021
Ribbon Cutting Swap Shop

Swap Shop Reopens Monday at the Dump: Here’s Why It’s Not Opening on Saturdays Just Yet

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The Swap Shop at the Darien Transfer Station and Recycling Center is opening Monday for the first time since the pandemic closed it, town officials have announced, and they’ve explained why the shop won’t be open on Saturdays yet. The town Department of Public Works announced that the Swap Shop will now be open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

DPW Director Edward Gentile said in an email Thursday that “the additional hours and days could be expanded further to include more hours and even Saturdays once we are back open and running during the week,” he said in an email Thursday.  “The crowds have been larger and volunteers fewer. […] We are always looking for volunteers.” He said the idea for keeping the Swap Shop closed on Saturdays came from Craig Flaherty, chairman of the town Advisory Committee on Sustainability. Flaherty returned a phone call asking for comment late on Friday.

Recycling
Ribbon Cutting Swap Shop

Swap Shop Reopens Monday, May 10 at the Town Dump

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The Darien Transfer Station and Recycling Center is reopening the Swap Shop starting this Monday, May 10, the town Department of Public Works announced. The shop, located in the dump at 126 Ledge Road, will remain closed on Saturdays but be open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Please note that COVID-19 social distancing rules remain in full force and effect,” the DPW announcement said. UPDATE: DPW officials could not say why the Swap Shop will remain closed on Saturday, although Edward Gentile, director of public works, said the reopening had been initiated by Craig Flaherty, chairman of the town Advisory Committee on Sustainability. Gentile said that as more volunteers are found or come forward to staff the Swap Shop, it could open later:

“The additional hours and days could be expanded further to include more hours and even Saturdays once we are back open and running during the week,” he said in an email Thursday.  “The crowds have been larger and volunteers fewer. […] We are always looking for volunteers

Darienite.com left a message for Craig Flaherty early Thursday afternoon.