Written by Bob Jørgensen | 15 June 2009

A recent spate of thefts from the returnable bottle bins, which provide Harpswell non-profit organizations revenue to carry out their community projects, has local sheriff's deputies on a heightened alert level. Whether for economic reasons or simple greed, thieves are causing potential damage to programs benefiting scouts, volunteer fire departments and our local TV station.
In addition to the regular daily collection of recyclable cans and bottles at the town recycling center itself, three non-profit organizations have bottle drops to collect returnable: cans and bottles that carry a 5 cent refund or 15 cents for wine and liquor bottles.
Harpswell's community TV station, Channel 14, on Community Drive near the recycling center, takes donations of returnable glass, cans and plastic containers as well. "Last year, approximately $2,400 was raised in this fashion," according to Dave Chipman, station director, which relies primarily on cable franchise fees, supplemented by grants for the purchase of new equipment and the underwriting of movies and special programming by local businesses and individuals. As the economy improves, it is hoped that revenues from the bottle drop can be expected to rise also.
Unfortunately the current harsh economic environment has given rise to a rash of bottle-napping. The TV station is protected by security devices, and last year, according to Chipman, a bottle snatcher was caught and arrested. The station went to court to testify against the culprit.
A second collection center for returnables is located at the Cundy's Harbor Fire Station. This one is administered by local resident Sheila Lucas and was established to provide financial support for the Cundy's Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. According to her, "This collection center contributes approximately $3,000 to $4,000 annually toward the operation of the department, which also mails out fundraising letters twice a year and rents out the Community Hall for various events to raise money." This site was also struck a number of times by bottle thieves, most recently on May 12th. Again, the deed was captured by a surveillance camera, and the tape is currently in the hands of Deputy Strompsky of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department for investigation.
Finally, residents living on Harspwell Neck are served by a bottle bin in front of the Scout Hall on Rt. 123. This facility made news recently when it, too was robbed of collected returnables by some person or persons, driven no doubt by the current economic recession and perhaps personal hardship, who were motivated to conduct a nighttime robbery in which hundreds of cans and bottles were stolen.
The loss is estimated at being worth perhaps $25 or $30, according to Scout Committeeman Richard Graves. He noted that, "A new hasp is being affixed to secure the bottle bin as weekly collections have ranged as high as $100 in the past, and the bin will now be emptied on a more frequent basis." The total income to the scouts from bottle collection amounts to about $5,000 per year and is used to purchase uniforms, patches, hiking and camping food, etc. Graves noted that the volume of bottle collection has begun to fall off somewhat as the economy has worsened as more people need to take their bottles with them to cash in at the supermarket for food.
The Harpswell scouts including Cubs, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts, who all meet at the Scout Hall, also rely upon a group of fundraising events that include bean-hole suppers, Christmas tree and wreath sales, auctions and endowments to fund a variety of programs, including the upkeep of their building and the current expansion of its facilities to accommodate physically challenged individuals. The Harpswell Scouting Assistance Association is also deeply indebted to the Dolphin Marina for their ongoing contribution of all their returnable containers as well.
As the national and local economic situation beings its slow recovery this fall, as predicted by leading economists, Harpswell's three collection facilities and the town recycling center are expected to enjoy a substantial increase in volume and in revenue collections that will be put to use subsequently to help make our coastal economy better and stronger.