Moreland’s Upcycling is turning trash into treasure in Southold

Strewn across Dale Leavay’s basement workshop are the bags and wrappers of potato chips, pet food, cookies, candies and more. Though much of it appears to be garbage, the Southold resident has taken what others tossed and turned it into a viable business.

“I’ve always been fascinated by what people discard,” she said. “I was in New York City one day and just saw so much garbage. I knew I could do something.”

That’s how “Moreland’s Upcycling,” Leavay’s side business, was born.

She takes everyday throwaway items and repurposes them into useable, durable bags, wallets, lunch boxes and key chains. Burlap, cotton, plastic — if it’s being thrown away, Leavay can probably use it.

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Photo caption: Dale Leavay inside her Southold basement workshop. (Credit: Emily Greenberg)