A message from Somerville Climate Action

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

Hi kids:

I got this message from a member of the Somerville Climate Action group. As it has to do with trash/recycling regulations, I thought y'all might like to know.

- Ananas

I just had a meeting with Vithal Despande from the DPW. With the economic downturn, the recycling industry is taking a hit like everyone else. The demand for recyclable materials at home and abroad has gone down significantly and recycle collection businesses are sitting on piles of material waiting for someone to buy.

Because of this, Casella Waste Systems is going to be enforcing the rules as to what can be accepted from our city pick-ups.

The biggest unacceptable thing that people put in is plastic bags. Plastic bags can not be used to contain recyclables, they can't be left on the outside of paper bags and they can't be put in on their own. Another thing is styrofoam. Even if it has a number on it- no styrofoam. Also, no pizza boxes. Paper and cardboard must be separate from co-mingled by tying up or placing in a paper bag.

Russell, the company that hauls the pick up will begin issuing rejections for people who don't follow the rules.

Comments

[closetalker11.livejournal.com]

I have no idea. I can pass the question along, though.

[ron_newman]

Please do. I don't like having to waste additional paper in order to recycle paper.

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

Also, what about cardboard and paper inside cardboard boxes? that's how I tend to get rid of old boxes...