Shrewsbury, MA Rolls Out New Single-Sort Recycling Program

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Town of Shrewsbury will begin rolling out new recycling carts for residents as it officially launches its “single-stream” collection service. With this new recycling program, sorting recyclable items is no longer necessary; instead, residents will be able to place all recyclable items directly into a new, larger recycling container.  The 64-gallon carts will begin arriving at residents’ homes in June for the July 1, 2024 start date.  The carts will replace the smaller bins currently used for residential recycling and come with wheels for easy maneuvering and attached lids to keep recyclables dry and secure.

The Town applied for and received a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and The Recycling Partnership, a national NGO advancing the circular economy by building a better recycling system in U.S. communities and states.  The Town was selected to receive grant support because of its dedication to advancing recycling in the community.  The grant from The Recycling Partnership, with support from Cox Enterprises as well as the American Beverage’s Every Bottle Back initiative and Massachusetts Beverage Association, will provide 10,200 new carts and includes funding for education and outreach about the new collection process.

The Town asks that residents continue to do their part by placing only recyclable materials in their carts, including glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, food and beverage cartons, paper products (including newspapers and flattened cardboard), and empty plastic bottles and containers.  To help limit contamination, give food and drink containers a quick rinse and then place them directly into the recycling cart—no sorting needed.

Some items that cannot be recycled at the curb include plastic bags, paper towels,  electrical equipment, batteries, and clothing.  These items often get mixed into recycling carts because of “wishcycling,” or the hope that they can be recycled.  While well-intentioned, non-recyclable items cause serious issues.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com