RECYCLING CONTAMINATION
As we return to a dual stream recycling program, it is time to get Back-to-Basics with our recycling habits. On this page you will find information on what you can and cannot put in your recycling container.
Please do not “WISHCYCLE.” If you have an item that is not on the “acceptable” list of paper recycling or bottles, cans and plastics recycling, please do not put it in and “wish” it gets recycled. Unacceptable items are considered “contaminants” and will get rejected at the sorting facility. Contaminants are not recycled; they are disposed of as garbage which increases the cost charged to the town.
So, WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT of your recycling bin. It all starts at the curb, and with your help we can get back to basics and improve our recycling program. Dispose of all of the items below in your household trash.
NO "WAX" COATED PAPER MILK OR JUICE CONTAINERS
While typically referred to as "wax coated" these containers have not used wax coating in many years. Paper milk and juice cartons use thin layers of plastic both inside and out to preserve the freshness of the product. The addition of these plastic layers requires additional processing in order recycle the carton. These additional processing expenses make collecting milk and juice cartons curbside cost prohibitive.
NO HOSES, PLANT FLATS, OR OTHER PLASTIC GARDENING ITEMS
Once the weather gets warm and people start tending to their lawns and gardens, the contamination level in our recycling increases. Please do not put hoses, planters, plastic plant flats, or pottery in your recycling bin. None of these items are recyclable and they will be disposed of as a contaminant.
NO BULKY PLASTICS, PLASTIC TOYS, BUCKETS, PLASTIC CUTLERY, STYROFOAM
These items are not part of our program and will be disposed of as a contaminant. Just like plastic bags, some of these plastic items are recyclable just not at the curbside.
NO SOILED PAPER, PAPER TOWEL OR TISSUES
In order for any paper or cardboard to be recycled, it has to be clean, dry, and have no plastic coating on it. These items are considered contaminants and cannot be recycled.
NO CERAMIC MUGS, DISHES OR OVENPROOF GLASS
Please do not put mirrors, china, ceramic, drinkware or ovenproof glass in your recycling container, they are considered contaminants. If any of these items get into the glass recycling plant, it will make bubbles and cracks in the newly formed glass bottles just one ceramic chip can ruin thousands of new glass jars.
Other common contaminants include: Clothes hangers, holiday lights, drinkware, extension cords, light bulbs, plastic bags, paint cans and other home improvement product containers. Dispose of in your household trash when appropriate.
Your recycling will not be collected if it contains any contaminants listed on this page. If your container has the following sticker affixed it indicates that you have an unacceptable item(s).
