History
ReCycle North was founded in 1991 by Ron Krupp who was committed to diverting reusable goods from overflowing landfills while providing opportunity to disadvantaged community members including the homeless and long-term unemployed. Krupp, a former COTS supervisor, envisioned the enterprise as a way to provide the training necessary to help people who are homeless break out of their cycle. His model involved utilizing the homeless and other volunteers to help repair and renovate products donated by the community.
ReCycle North's original store was a 6,500 square foot warehouse located at the corner of Pine and Kilburn in Burlington. Mayor Peter Clavelle attended the grand opening celebration on January 28, 1991. Instead of cutting a ribbon, he was asked to assemble a table.
In 1991, ReCycle North had one full-time staff member and a budget of just over $100,000. Reuse sales were about $77,000. Two training programs were offered: Appliance Repair & Electronics Repair.
January 1991 Burlington Free Press article
