Talk:Guide/Tidying items from the space

I think this edit presents a risk of generating resentment and hostility, especially if you start from Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space, and are unaware of this new page (which presumably would not be in google results yet). I regard the statement "Please do not bring something to the space ... unless you are certain it will be used." as a higher standard than that described in the four points in Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space

Someone reading the Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space and choosing donate an item to the space would be perfectly in compliance with that guide.

The someone else could then complain on the mailing list, that Guide/Tidying_items_from_the_space says ... "unless you are certain it will be used."

The first person would be rightfully resentful and angry at their treatment, because of the contradictory nature of the 2 positions. I personally would vote for the position set out in Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space, and remove the conflicting remark from Guide/Tidying_items_from_the_space --Tolland (talk) 21:11, 29 March 2014 (UTC)

I think you've misunderstood the intent here. The fourth bullet on Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space says "if you bring items to the space with the intention of donating them without first making sure that the organisation is willing to accept the donation (as decided by consensus on the mailing list) then the items are still in your ownership, and it is your personal responsibility to dispose of them once you're asked to do so". Nobody could legitimately argue that they are justified in dumping their trash into the three-week system (and thereby creating a cost for the Hackspace).

I agree that there's a risk of generating resentment when creating a guide, because we're constantly having to explain the process, and that's why I've asked for discussion on the list.

I deliberately haven't mentioned the legal fiction of someone bringing something to the space and then immediately deciding to dispose of it in the three-week process. That could still happen, but we can at least make the intent clear. Ms7821 (talk) 21:24, 29 March 2014 (UTC)

The edit I would propose would be to the Guides/Bringing_items_to_the_space to re-order the points to emphasize the requirement that some effort should be expended to ensure that the donated items are wanted... so.

Donations to the space

Before donating use the following points as a guide:

• Will the Hackspace accept the donation? - please first start by making sure that the organisation is willing to accept the donation (as decided by consensus on the mailing list) then the items are still in your ownership, and it is your personal responsibility to dispose of them once you're asked to do so. This is especially true for large items, or items that require unusual means of disposal (e.g. toxic materials.)
• Is it on our wishlist? - if the item is not on our wishlist then check on IRC or the mailing list before bringing it into the space. If it is on the wishlist then bring it in - thank you!
• Will you be upset if it is thrown away? - If it would be difficult for the average hacker to comprehend the intrinstic hack-value of the item then it may end up in our 3 week disposal process. Large items that will not fit through the disposal process could get thrown out without warning. If this does not appeal then it might be better not to donate the item.
• Does it meet any of the following criteria? - If it doesn't then we probably do not want or need it currently - but thanks for thinking of us!:
  • Item is a tool useful for the types of hacking that take place at the space.
  • Item is a common part/component that is not scrap.
  • Item is in working order and has a reasonable resale value.
  • Item can be easily stripped for high value parts.

---

I completely agree with enforcing the rules to prevent the general dumping of items in the space. It's annoying and expensive, and time consuming to clean up.

However I think we should make some effort to differentiate between cases, particular for smaller items that can be more easily disposed of.

When we come to the hackspace and sit on donated chairs, and read donated books, while drinking donated coffee out of donated mugs, there is a risk of throwing the baby out with the bathwater by being hostile to all donation offers. There is clearly a balance to be struck.

I think the 3 week box system represents an opportunity to accept small donated items, that will fit in the box, if the user posts to the list and explains what it is, and provides a photo of the item.

The post to the list sets a date from which the item should be disposed of, the attached photo identifies the item, and it gives members an opportunity to intercept the item.

To make this work, I propose to "adopt" the 1-week box, and be responsible to take the electrical recycling to the recycling centre at Fritzland Lane - http://www.recycleforyourcommunity.com/where_you_live/barking_and_dagenham/reuse_and_recycling_centres/frizlands_lane_reuse_and_recycling_centre.aspx --Tolland (talk) 18:52, 29 March 2014 (UTC)

As mentioned on IRC, I agree that stuff can be injected into the three-week system under some circumstances, but this is better discussed on the mailing list. I don't think it would require adoption of the 1-week box, although that would be great regardless. As for taking recycling elsewhere, I'm pretty sure your local recycling centre will accept domestic waste only (we pay for our Waste disposal, including recycling). Ms7821 (talk) 19:16, 29 March 2014 (UTC)

At the moment 123recycleforfree will accept electrical recycling from business - http://123recycleforfree.com/faqs.htm --Tolland (talk) 19:24, 29 March 2014 (UTC)

interestingly, they will also do free collections from Tower Hamletts - http://123recycleforfree.com/contact_us.htm

<quote>We are currently offering a free-of-charge collection and recycling of waste electrical items from businesses throughout London.

We collect from the London Boroughs of Bexley, Newham, Hackney, Camden, Barnet, Enfield, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Wandsworth, Sutton, Waltham Forest, Merton, Kingston upon Thames, Hillingdon, Harrow, Richmond, Havering, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Ealing, Brent, Greenwich, City of London, Haringey, Redbridge and Hammersmith & Fulham. Please check back regularly as this service will be extending into other London Boroughs.</quote>

Very nice - that could work! Ms7821 (talk) 19:26, 29 March 2014 (UTC)