Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Supporting Sustainability in the Pioneer Valley - 2019

Supporting Sustainability in the Pioneer Valley Brought to you by The Republican and MassLive.com

S2 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

Acknowledgements This guide marks the eleventh year of a collaborative effort between The Republican and the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) Advisory Board. It is being produced as part of our Earth Day 2019 Celebration.

MRF Advisory Board members, John Alpin (Hampden County), Veronique Blanchard (Mass DEP), Amy Donovan (Franklin County Solid Waste Management District), Cristina Ferrera (City of Springfield), Tracy DeMaio (Hampden County), Michael Pattavina (Franklin County), Arlene Miller (Hampden County) and Susan Waite (Hampshire County) contributed to the text.

The Western Massachusetts Regional Recycling Program encompasses about 74 communities in the four western counties of the State. The cornerstone of the program, a 150-plus ton per day Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), is located in Springfield.

The facility, owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), opened in January 1989. It is celebrating 30 years of service this year.

Tracy DeMaio, Chair of the Advisory Board says, “It is our hope that both residents and businesses will find the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Guide a valuable tool in managing unwanted materials. We also appreciate all of the advertisers who made this publication possible. “

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

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Dear Residents and Business Owners of Hampden County:

At this time last year, our country was reacting to China’s startling new recycling import policy. With high levels of contamination (unwanted material) no longer tolerated by China, the focus of municipalities, businesses, haulers and material recycling facility (MRF) operators turned to increased public education.

This past year, the Springfield MRF Advisory Board offered educational tools to the public through our website www.springfieldmrf.org and a new radio campaign, and to municipalities through grants of postcards, refrigerator magnets, signs, stickers, and school presentations. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection launched a statewide “Recycle Smart” media campaign (www.recyclesmartma.org) to better communicate what can and can’t be recycled. I am pleased to announce that recycling contamination levels in Western MA are impressively low. Good job, Western Mass! Low contamination rates help our MRF operator to move recycled materials to markets quickly.

You’ll also find helpful recycling information within this guide. Keep it handy throughout the year to help you reduce, reuse, or recycle unwanted material.

We’re pleased to be able to present this 11th edition to you, and send thanks to the Western Massachusetts businesses which make it possible through their advertising support.

On behalf of the Springfield MRF Advisory Board, I thank you for your continued support and outstanding participation in western Massachusetts’ recycling program.

Tracy DeMaio Chair, MRF Advisory Board

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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S3

Are Your Recycling Efforts

Going to Waste?

By Brooke Nash It seems like every other day a negative recycling story hits the national or local news. For example:

There’s no question that what happened in the last year - since China closed its doors to the world’s mixed paper and unsorted plastics through a policy known as U.S. Cities Have Nowhere to “National Sword” - was a Put Recycling (CBS Evening wake-up call. Over the last News, 3/20/19) decade, U.S. recycling habits got sloppy (wishful recycling, As Costs Skyrocket, More anyone?) and it didn’t seem to U.S. Cities Stop Recycling matter. China kept gobbling (NY Times, 3/16/19) up everything we sent, sorted Recycling is a Dumpster Fire. out the bad stuff, and made Literally (On Point Radio, new packaging and products 3/14/19) from the good stuff…until they Is This the End of Recycling? said, “enough.”

What the headlines and (Atlantic Monthly, 3/4/19) news haven’t told us is this: Help, We’re Drowning in there are still markets for our Recycling (Wall Street Journal, mixed paper (think newspa3/2/19) per, junk mail, magazines, and cereal boxes) and plastic It’s no wonder our neighbors, friends and family food and beverage containers, are asking “Is my recycling just not in China anymore.

That’s not such a bad thing. just going to a landfill?” or “Should I even bother recyHere’s why: cling?”

Other countries such as

India, Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam are buying the mixed paper China no longer wants and that’s where most of the paper collected from Massachusetts residents and businesses goes to be recycled into new products. The global oversupply of mixed paper has produced a buyer’s market. That means the value of mixed paper has dropped from about $75 per ton to $5 per ton. With less revenue from the sale of recyclables to offset the cost of sorting and baling (known as “processing” in industry terms), the cost of recycling is going up.

The Springfield Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which processes most of the recyclables collected in Western Massachusetts, is feeling the effects of this buyer’s market.

But at the end of the day, what we put in our recycling bins IS getting recycled. And that’s

good news!

What about cardboard? It’s mostly sold to mills in the U.S. or Canada, and multiple U.S. mills are expanding or re-opening to start taking scrap paper and cardboard again. Pratt Industries, a U.S. recycler, opened its fourth new 100% recycled paper mill in Valparaiso, Indiana last year. They’ll open their fifth mill in Ohio this year. Pratt makes boxes for the US Postal Service, Amazon, and Home Depot.

There’s good news with plastics too. The U.S. plastics recycling industry is healthy and they want our soda bottles, milk jugs, yogurt cups and margarine tubs. Companies like EFS Plastics , KW Plastics, Buckeye Plastics and Trigon Plastics use recycled containers to make consumer products, automotive parts, construction materials, and

even 100% recycled plastic Adirondack chairs. At the Northeast Recycling Council meeting in Delaware last month, all of these companies made their message clear: we need all the recycled containers you can send us, and more.

The silver lining of the “recycling crisis” is that National Sword is stimulating jobs and investment in the U.S. recycling industry and enabling recycling companies to buy recycled materials that they previously had to compete with China for.

What about the increased cost of recycling?

While market experts expect the value of recyclables to increase as domestic markets expand, let’s first remember why we recycle. Recycling has always been about saving

SEE WASTE, PAGE S4

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S4 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

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Waste

and co-workers. Keeping the bad stuff out of our recycling bins means the good stuff gets CONTINUED FROM PAGE S3 recycled. It also ensures we’re resources, conserving energy, supporting a supply chain of and reducing our dependence recycled materials that go on landfills and incinerators. back into our economy while As the impacts of climate conserving resources and prochange escalate, it’s more tecting our environment. critical than ever to embrace To be sure, this is hard the circular economy, reduce work. But the pay-offs are greenhouse gas emissions, real. We’ve come too far with and lower our carbon footrecycling in the last 30 years print. Recycling does all of to turn our backs on it now. that – and it creates jobs.

Together, we can keep our We also need to remember recycling programs strong and that recycling is a service. protect our planet for generaTrucks, labor, and fuel – none tions to come. of that is free. But it’s a service worth paying for. It’s also a Brooke Nash is the Branch Chief public good – like schools, for Municipal Recycling at the public transit, parks, clean Massachusetts Department of air and clean water. It’s hard Environmental Protection in to put a dollar value on the Boston. benefits for our community, because they’re invaluable.

How can you help?

Learn how to “recycle smart� by visiting helpful websites like RecycleSmartMA.org or springfieldmrf. org. Then, help educate your friends, family, neighbors,

“We also need to remember that recycling is a service. Trucks, labor, and fuel – none of that is free. But it’s a service worth paying for. It’s also a public good – like schools, public transit, parks, clean air and clean water. It’s hard to put a dollar value on the benefits for our community, because they’re invaluable.� - Brooke Nash

One provider for all your recycling and waste needs.

Keeping your space clean is a priority. We can help with VLPSOH UHOLDEOH VHUYLFHV WKDW EHQHČ´W \RX DQG RXU SODQHW National support with local service from: Republic ServicesÂŽ 845 Burnett Rd Chicopee, MA

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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

WESTERN

MASSACHUSETTS

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S5

RECYCLES

The Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) has processed over one million tons of Pioneer Valley recyclables since it opened in 1989.

WHAT ARE YOU RECYCLING TODAY?

YES!

Please recycle these items: it

Metal cans, foil, milk and juice cartons, glass bottles and jars, plastic bo bottles/jars/tubs/jugs, s/jugs, clear plastic hinged hing d containers ((clamshells), l h ll ) empty aerosol cans (health, beauty, food only). Labels and caps on bottles are okay. Clean papers, magazines/catalogs, greeting cards, gift wrap & gift tissue paper (no foils or metallics), paperbacks & phone ebooks (covers okay), shredded paper, cardboard, paperboard, clean pizza boxes. Paper clips, stapless and metal spirals are okay.

NO! *Please keep these items out of the household recycling. At the recycling facility, plastic bags, hoses and holiday lights cause safety hazards and shutdowns when they wrap around conveyor belts and equipment. Plastic bags, holiday lights and textiles can be recycled and/or donated in other locations. This NO list is not all-inclusive.

THANK THA HA ANK YOU YOU* YO U**

NO

TEXTILES!

NO

PLASTIC BAGS! OR BAGGED MATERIALS

NO ITEMS THA AT WRAP AND TANGLE!

Paid for by y the Springfield p g MRF Advisory y Board.

3108885-01 SP40475

For information about recycling visit: www.springfieldmrf.org

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

S6 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

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Safer Alternatives For

Toxic Products

Many of the products that we use to clean or maintain our homes contain ingredients which are toxic or hazardous to humans and pets, or to the environment, or both. If you want to use safer materials, you can either purchase commercial products which contain more benign materials, or you can make your own.

Begin by checking the maintenance products in your home. Read the labels. You may see words like “toxic� or “danger� or “poison�, followed by a description of the hazard. If you are uncomfortable with what you see, you may wish to change to a different product.

Many grocery stores, natural foods stores, and hardware stores carry “green� products. Be careful, however, because although the product is labeled “natural� it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s non-tox-

• A dish of hot vinegar can ic. A computer search for get rid of fish odors. “green cleaningâ€? or non-toxic cleaning alternatives can • Baking soda placed in the produce a wealth of useful refrigerator reduces odors. information. • Make a lemon and baking If you choose to make some soda spray by dissolving of your own products, you can some baking soda in 2 cups use simple ingredients such of hot water, adding lemon as baking soda, cornstarch, juice, putting into a spray borax, castile or vegetable oil bottle, and spraying into the based soaps, vinegar, washair as an air freshener. ing soda, lemon juice, salt, • Fresh cut flowers or dried toothpaste, and vinegar. (But flower petals and spices never combine ammonia and • Mix 3 tbsp vinegar, ½ tsp can add a fresh scent to a bleach- they make a poison washing soda, ½ tsp vegroom; boiling potpourri or gas!) Always label containers etable oil based soap in 2 cinnamon and cloves in you keep your home mixed cups of hot water. Place in water will also produce a products in with the name and bucket or spray bottle. nice scent. ingredients.

Some recipes for home SOME ALL PURPOSE • For a general, all-purpose made maintenance and clean- CLEANERS: cleaner, try a paste made ing products follow: from baking soda and • Vinegar and salt-mix water, or mix salt and water together for a good surface AIR FRESHENERS & with a little vinegar. cleaner.

DEODORIZERS: • Baking soda: dissolve 4 DISINFECTANTS • Open windows or use tablespoons in a quart of exhaust fans as a natural air warm water for a general • Regular cleaning with plain freshener. cleaner soap and hot water will kill some bacteria.

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Recycle only cans that con ardous mater health & beau (sun block, fir hair products shaving cream (cooking oil, w frosting) and (starch, anti-s & air freshene a fire hazard, completely em noise from th pressed). Do teaspoon of water. Apply pierce, flatten a thin coat to the wood zles prior to r surface and let sit for five Aerosol ca minutes. Use a soft cloth and once con and buff to a deep shine. materials are ble. Place em GLASS CLEANERS waste aeroso â&#x20AC;˘ Use undiluted vinegar in a your househo spray bottle, or equal parts cans from ins

vinegar and water in a spray bottle, or ½ cup lemon juice and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, or ½ cup vinegar or lemon juice in 2 cups of water with Âź teaspoon vegetable oil based soap (such as Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s).

â&#x20AC;˘ Borax has long been recognized for its disinfectant and deodorizing properties.

Mix 2 tbsp borax, Âź cup METAL CLEANERS lemon juice, 2 cups of hot â&#x20AC;˘ Silver: use toothpaste inwater. Place in spray bottle stead of silver polish or soak and use as you would any in boiling water, baking multi purpose cleaner. soda, salt, and a piece of aluminum foil.

DRAIN CLEANERS

â&#x20AC;˘ Use this once a week to help keep drains flesh and clear: ½ cup baking soda, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 gal. boiling water, ½ used lemon. Pour the baking soda down the drain followed by the vinegar. Allow the mixture to foam for several minutes before flushing the drain with boiling water.

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â&#x20AC;˘ This polish should be made fresh each time: Mix the juice of one lemon with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and 1

â&#x20AC;˘ Brass: mix equal parts of salt and flour with a little vinegar, then rub. â&#x20AC;˘ Copper: rub with lemon juice and salt or hot vinegar and salt. â&#x20AC;˘ Stainless Steel: rub with a paste of baking soda and water.

There are many more cleaning recipes and hints to be found on the internet. A good one is: turi.org/Our_Work/ Community/Household_ Cleaning

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FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S7

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

WHAT DO I DO WITH...? lubricant, waterproofing, ANTIFREEZE  automotive, adhesive/craft & or require special handling. (see “Automotive Products”) cleaning products). Aerosol cans with hazardous material APPLIANCES AEROSOL CANS  in them should be brought to Recycle only EMPTY aerosol (see “Scrap Metal”) cans that contained non-haz- a household hazardous waste collection. For additional inforardous materials, such as mation, visit: www.mass.gov/ ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBY health & beauty products guides/safely-manage-haz(sun block, first aid spray, ITEMS  ardous-household-products. hair products, deodorant, & Some paints, solvents and shaving cream); food products related materials are hazardALUMINUM FOIL, CANS & ous and should be brought to (cooking oil, whipped cream, frosting) and laundry products “DISPOSABLE” PANS a hazardous waste collection.

Rinse clean & recycle with (starch, anti-static products Always check the label before bottles & cans. Acceptable & air fresheners). To prevent tossing in the trash. Visit items include aluminum pie a fire hazard, cans must be www.crazycrayons.com for pans and take-out containers, info about crayon recycling. completely empty (no air or disposable roaster pans, and noise from the nozzle when Recycle Prang markers by clean aluminum foil (ball it pressed). Do not puncture, visiting www.dixonrecycle. pierce, flatten, or remove noz- up). com. Schools can participate zles prior to recycling. in Crayola ColorCycle, which Aerosol cans that are empty ALUMINUM SIDING accepts all brands of plastic and once contained hazardous (see “Scrap Metal”) markers, highlighters and dry materials are NOT recyclaerase markers: www.crayola.

AMMUNITION, ble. Place empty hazardous com/colorcycle.

EXPLOSIVES waste aerosol containers in Call your Police Department for ASBESTOS  your household trash (empty proper disposal instructions. cans from insecticide, paint, There are strict removal &

 = Items that are hazardous

disposal requirements for asbestos. Contact the Western Region of the Mass Department of Environmental Protection: John Moriarty 413-7552128 john.moriarty@mass. gov. To find licensed asbestos contractors, go to www.mass. gov and type “asbestos license lists” into the search bar, then click “Currently Licensed Asbestos Contractors.”

ATHLETIC SHOES (see “Shoes”)

AUTOMOBILES (see “Vehicles”) AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS 

Automotive products contain many hazardous materials & must be handled with care.

Do not dump in the trash, on the ground or down the drain.

• Motor oil Even a small amount of im-

properly disposed of motor oil will contaminate water & soil. In MA, retailers are required by law to accept up to two gallons of used oil at no charge with an original sales receipt. Many auto supply stores, auto repair shops & gas stations will accept used oil even if you didn’t buy it from them.

Many towns accept motor oil at transfer stations or hazardous waste collections. Or call the MassDEP Used Oil Hotline at 617-5561022.

• Motor oil filters Some auto supply stores or auto repair shops will recycle oil filters for free. Some towns accept motor oil filters at transfer stations. Oil filters may be thrown away or recycled as scrap metal only when the oil has been SEE WHAT, PAGE S8

Helping our neighbors recycle responsibly since 1974

Residential

Commercial

Temporary Dumpster Rentals

Organics

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

S8 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

What CONTINUED FROM PAGE S7

completely drained (while filter is still warm, puncture the dome top & drain into a collection container. See above for oil disposal).

• Empty motor oil bottles Empty motor oil containers are not recyclable; drain well and then throw them away as trash.

• Antifreeze Antifreeze is not only hazardous; its deceiving color & sweet taste may attract children, pets & wild animals. Empty antifreeze bottles should be thrown away (do not recycle). Consider having your vehicle’s radiator flushed at a service station to avoid the responsibility associated with proper storage & disposal.

Antifreeze can be brought to a household hazardous waste collection.

• Brake fluid Brake fluid is hazardous and must be brought to a household hazardous waste collection. Empty bottles of this material should be thrown away (do not recycle).

BABY FOOD POUCHES (see “Plastic Pouches”)

BAGS

(see “Plastics” and “Reusable Bags”)

BALLASTS 

(see “Mercury & Mercury-containing Products”)

BATTERIES 

Common “single-use” household batteries (alkaline, carbon zinc and zinc chloride in sizes A, AA, AAA, C & D, 9 volt, lantern size) manufactured after 1996 don’t contain mercury or other hazardous/ recyclable materials & can be thrown away as trash. (Put plastic tape on contacts on 9-volts and lantern batteries before disposal or storage.)

Check labels carefully: some rechargeable and lithium batteries (which require special handling) can resemble alkaline batteries.

ALL other battery varieties contain hazardous materials and require special disposal. Many communities have convenient drop-off options; Check with your local recycling contact for disposal information or search online with your zip code at www. earth911.com. In addition:

• Button batteries (found in watches, hearing aids, electronics & some toys) are usually accepted free of charge by stores that sell them or at watch/jewelry shops.

• Lead acid batteries (found in vehicles, boats, motorcycles, kids’ ride-on toys, lawn mowers) will be accepted by the retailer from whom you buy a new one (they are required to take one back at no charge). Scrap metal recyclers typically pay for lead acid batteries.

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plastic bottle/jar/jug/tub.

Loose plastic tops should be placed in the trash; small Although it looks like paper items cause safety hazards boxboard, beer and soda and shutdowns at recycling packaging contains and invisible layer of plastic (to stay facilities because they get strong when wet) and is NOT caught in the sorting equipment. Metal lids, like those recyclable. from glass jars, should be attached to the container.

BICYCLES Metal lids from food cans Working bicycles in good should be pushed inside the condition can be offered to can or recycled loose. charities (search online via “bicycle donation”) or private BOXES organizations (e.g. www. pedalpeople.coop) that will • Clean cardboard, boxboard, use them, or may be gifted to paperboard boxes are recyindividuals free via an online clable (e.g., packaging from sharing group (e.g. Freecycle. cereal, crackers, tissues, org or a Buy Nothing Faceshoes, gifts, etc.) Attached book group). For recycling plastic windows may stay, options, see “scrap metal.” but discard plastic liners.

Flatten.

BEER AND SODA PACKAGING

BOATS

(See more info under “Vehicles.” ) Boats might be accepted in bulky waste collections at some municipal transfer stations. Call first. All automotive-type fluids must be drained and properly disposed of.

BUILDING & REMODELING MATERIALS

Construction & demolition (“C&D”) waste includes asphalt, asphalt shingles, bricks, cement, cinder blocks, clapboard, concrete, doors, flooring, insulation, lumber, mortar, plaster, plywood, roofing, sheetrock, tiles, windows & wood. Fee-based disposal options are available at most recycling/transfer stations; call your community recycling representative for more information. Vehicles with a capacity greater than 5 cubic yards are subject to strict disposal requirements for C&D wastes in MA. For more information: www.mass. gov/lists/managing-construction-demolition-cd-wastes.

Used building materials (in • The clean portions of pizza good condition) can be donatboxes can be recycled, but ed for re-use. The following the greasy parts must be organizations will accept discarded or composted. some reusable items. Call Because whole pizza boxes prior to delivery to confirm are usually greasy to some that your materials will be degree, drop-off centers and accepted, or to arrange for curbside programs somefree pickup. Deconstruction times reject them. Turning services may be offered. Items them inside out or ripping might be tax-deductible. out greasy sections are the • EcoBuilding Bargains, 83 best ways to ensure they Warwick St., Springfield, won’t end up in a landfill.

MA (413-788-6900; ecoSoiled pizza boxes can be buildingbargains.org) delivered to municipal compost programs at the trans• Habitat for Humanity’s fer stations in Amherst, ReStore in Westfield: 301 Bernardston, Greenfield East Main St., Westfield, (also open to non-residents), MA 01085 (413-642-8990; Leverett, New Salem, www.restorewestfield.com) Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Wendell & Whately.

Wooden pallets can be reused Coming soon to the transfer or recycled as “clean wood stations in Deerfield and waste.” Disposal options for Warwick. large quantities include (but • Frozen food boxes, ice are not limited to) Martin’s cream cartons, case boxes Farm (Greenfield: 413-774from soda or beer, and 5631), Gold Circuit E-Cycling kitty litter boxes are not (Palmer: 888-283-0007), acceptable in recycling or Index Packaging (NH: 800composting. These boxes 662-3626), 360 Recycling are made with “wet strength (Westfield: 413-562-0193). paper,” a special plastic-re- Note: pressure-treated inforced material that keeps wood should only be disposed them from falling apart of in a modern landfill. Don’t when wet. These boxes do put it in a backyard compost not break down in the paper pile, a brush or chipping pile; recycling or composting don’t burn it or send it to a process, and must go in the waste incinerator for disposal. trash.

• Lithium batteries (found in many applications, primarily in cameras) Check all batteries carefully before disposal; look for “Lithium” on the label. They resemble alkaline batteries, but these BOOKS should be recycled properly: Books in good condition may some municipalities accept be sold at used bookstores, them. donated to public libraries or a book exchange, or dropped • Rechargeable batteries off at your local recycling/ contain heavy metals and transfer station’s book exrequire special handling. change. Reader to Reader, an These are found in cell Amherst-based non-profit, phones, cordless phones, provides library-quality books laptops, tablets, some to U.S. schools and public digital cameras, camcordlibraries (www.readertoreader. ers, UPS battery back-ups, org). some toys, baby monitors, power tools, robotic vacuum Paperback books & phonebooks unsuitable for reuse cleaners, and emergency CAN be recycled in municipal medical equipment. Also, rechargeable toothbrushes, programs. However, the covers razors, flashlights and hand- and spines from hardcover books are NOT recyclable; held vacuum cleaners, plus rip the pages out and recycle rechargeable batteries that those; place the spine and can be recharged with a battery charger. AT&T, Best covers in the trash. Roundabout Books (Greenfield) acBuy, Home Depot, Lowes, cepts books in any condition; Staples, Target, & Verizon Wireless accept Nickel Cad- donations are sorted for local mium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal and mail-order sale and all types of unsalable books are Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium recycled at a local paper mill.

Ion (Li-ion), Nickel-Zinc Also accepted: CDs, DVDs, (Ni-Zn), small Sealed Lead Acid (Pb) batteries (up to 11 and vinyl records working conpounds). For more informa- dition (www.roundaboutbookBUBBLE WRAP & store.com; 413-773-0820). tion and options for recyINFLATED PLASTIC cling rechargeable batteries, PACKAGING BOTTLE CAPS & LIDS go to www.call2recycle.org.

(Air pillows) (see “Plastics”) Plastic caps & lids are recyclable only if fastened to a

CAMERAS

Staples stores, Best Buy stores, and many electronic waste (e-waste) recycling programs accept digital cameras for free. Canon has

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a mail-in recycling program: shop.usa.canon.com/shop/ en/catalog/recycling.

CANNING JARS

accepts extinguished cigarettes, filters, loose tobacco pouches, outer plastic and inner foil packaging for recycling into plastic pallets and other products.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S9

localvegoil.com, 413-3223324. ReEnergizer’s used COAT HANGERS cooking oil is transformed Do not put hangers in recyinto replacements for fossil cling bins: hangers get caught fuels. Western Mass Renin machinery at recycling dering provides dumpsters facilities. Some charitable for large collections: www. organizations accept hangers westernmassrendering.com; for reuse or resale. Metal 413-569-6265. hangers are accepted for reuse by some dry cleaners & are also accepted for recycling as scrap metal at most recycling/transfer stations.

Unfortunately, plastic hangers are not recyclable and should be thrown away when they are no longer usable. dingdress.org).

CORKS

Corks should not be put in your recycling bin. Natural corks can be crumbled & added to a backyard compost bin, or put in municipal/ commercial composting.

ReCORK (www.recork.org) recycles natural wine & SEE WHAT, PAGE S10

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS 

(“see Mercury & Mercury-containing Products”)

COMPUTERS & TV’S (see “Electronics”)

CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION WASTE

(see “Building & Remodeling Materials”)

COOKING OIL

Never pour cooking oil down the drain. Liquids should be kept out of the trash. ReEnergizer accepts vegetable oil by appointment from individuals. It also provides containers and pays for the oil at food service providers: www.

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Celebrating over

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Canning jars are not recyclable because of the thick, heat resistant glass. Reuse, give to CLAMSHELLS & CLEAR a friend who can use them, MOLDED PLASTICS put in a tag sale or swap (see “Plastics”) shop at a transfer station, or place in the trash.

CLEANERS (see “Household Hazardous CARPET Waste”) Flor® offers a free mail-back recycling program for carpet CLOTHING & TEXTILES squares (www.flor.com/recy- Local reuse & donation opporcle). Some nonprofit orgatunities exist for all textiles & nizations accept relatively shoes. Deliver CLEAN & DRY clean carpet for reuse. textiles & clothing to donation centers & drop-off boxes for CARTONS & Goodwill Industries (www.

DRINK BOXES goodwill.org) & the Salvation “Paper” cartons should be Army (easternusa.salvationrecycled with bottles & army.org). DO include items cans (“gable tops” for milk that are torn, stained, with and orange juice, “aseptic missing buttons or broken packaging” for almond milk, zippers, as these organizasoup, juice boxes). Rinse tions sell damaged textiles containers. Discard straws; to recyclers to be made into plastic caps & spouts may insulation. Acceptable items stay. Don’t include foil drink include these CLEAN & DRY pouches (e.g., Capri Sun) items: mismatched socks, with your bottles & cans. shoes and gloves; all clothing and accessories includCARTRIDGES ing belts, ties, underwear & (see “Ink, Printer & Toner purses; and linens such as Cartridges”) curtains, pillows, comforters, sheets, towels, and stuffed anCELL PHONES  imals in any condition. Some Cell phones shouldn’t be animal shelters also accept thrown away due to their old sheets, blankets, pillowreuse value & hazardous/ cases, bedspreads, throw rugs recyclable components. & towels for reuse.

Numerous charitable & To find local clothing for-profit organizations consignment stores or quality accept cell phone donations. used clothing, go to www.

Search online using “cell thethriftshopper.com. See phone donation” or check also www.thredUP.com, www. out www.recyclingforchariswap.com, www.refashioner. ties.com, www.call2recycle. com, and wornwear.patagonia. org or www.earth911.com. com.

Stores that sell cell phones Bras can be donated to will also accept them for Salvation Army or Goodwill; free recycling, and many cell any items that are not in good phone manufacturers offer condition will be baled and buy-back programs through sold for textile recycling. New the mail. Lowe’s Stores and & gently used bras can be many municipal transfer mailed to The Bra Recyclers stations also accept them for for distribution to women in free recycling as part of the transition around the world: Call2Recycle program: www. www.brarecycling.com; 480call2recycle.org.

988-2283.

Some non-profit organiCHRISTMAS TREES zations target specific types (see “Yard Waste”) of clothing to benefit those in need, such as professional CIGARETTE BUTTS clothing and wedding dresses Terracycle’s “Cigarette Waste (westernmass.dressforsucBrigade” (Terracycle.com) cess.org; www.donatemywed-

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

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What CONTINUED FROM PAGE S9

champagne corks (no plastic or metal corks); Whole Foods in Hadley and Ryan & Casey Liquors in Greenfield are ReCork collection sites.

Yemm & Hart pays for large volumes of corks mailed to them, and accepts (but doesn’t pay for) plastic corks: www.yemmhart.com. Wine corks can be reused in many creative ways (search online for “cork art”).

ic waste for free recycling.

Staples does not accept TVs. Staples stores also offer a reuse program. Best Buy accepts a wide range of electronic waste for free recycling, but charges $25 for TVs. For more information, call your local store or visit their website and search for “recycling.” Computer manufacturers offer a variety of electronic recycling programs, including (but not limited to) Apple, Dell, Gateway, Hewlett-Packard, Panasonic, Sony & Toshiba. Visit their websites for details. Various charities and non-profits accept donations of working electronics, including local Salvation Army and Goodwill stores. Always call ahead to ask if they can accept your item.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 

Fire extinguishers are considered hazardous because their contents are under pressure.

Units manufactured prior to 1984 may contain dangerous chemicals. For disposal and recycling:

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ronmental sense. Local composting options include home composting, municipal transfer station programs (in Amherst, Bernardston, Greenfield, Leverett, New Salem, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Wendell & Whately; coming soon to the transfer stations in Deerfield and Warwick), and (where available) curbside pick-up by a private waste hauler.

Find a hauler near you at: recyclingworksma.com. Many municipalities offer discounted purchase programs for countertop collection pails and home compost bins. For home composting instructions, visit Mass.gov and search for “home compost.”

salvaging, remove & recycle the button battery (see “Batteries”), then place the device in the trash.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE 

First, consider using up the product according to pack• Businesses & property age directions, or giving it managers can contact their away to someone who will. fire control service providProducts with warnings & er. words like caustic, toxic, • Residents can call their corrosive, poison, flammable, local fire department for danger & “keep out of reach local disposal options. of children” on the label require special handling. Check • Some municipal hazardous with your local recycling waste collections may accontact or your community cept older fire extinguishwebsite for local household COSMETICS CONTAINERS ers: ask before bringing hazardous waste options.

Origins offers free recycling them to a collection.

New England Disposal of make-up packaging, • Some municipal transfer Technologies (Westfield, MA) regardless of brand. Empstations accept newer fire FRUIT SNACK POUCHES accepts many household ty cosmetic tubes, bottles, extinguishers for special (see “Plastic Pouches”) hazardous wastes year-round lipstick covers, jars & caps recycling along with profor modest fees (nedt.org; can be brought to an Origins pane tanks.

ELECTRONIC MEDIA FURNITURE 866-769-1621). For safe retail store or department • MA Fire Technologies (CDs, DVDs) Furniture in good condition alternatives to hazardous store counter nationwide: accepts all types of fire Do not add electronic media can be sold or donated for household products visit: www.origins.com/our-comextinguishers for a small to your household recycling. reuse. Donating mattresses www.lesstoxicguide.ca, or mitment. Other mail-in fee (49 Heywood Ave, West & box springs can be difficult, www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/ recycling programs for empty CD cases easily shatter and Springfield; www.massfire. as most charities and some the glass-like shards create ecofriendly-cleaning. cosmetics containers can com; 800-244-6769). hazards and other problems communities don’t accept be found at www.maccosat the recycling facility. If them. When you purchase a INK, PRINTER & TONER metics.com/giving_back/ • New England Disposal new mattress, ask the retailer CARTRIDGES back_to_mac.tmpl and www. selling or donating used Technologies (Westfield, media is not an option (some to take back and recycle the Local schools & non-profit terracycle.com.

MA) accepts fire extincommunities accept certain old one. organizations often collect guishers year-round for types via book donation cartridges for fundraisEGG CARTONS modest fees (nedt.org; programs), GreenDisk.com GOLF BALLS ing purposes, and Staples Clear plastic egg cartons 866-769-1621).

Contact local golf courses or accepts used cartridges for may be recycled with bottles offers a fee-based, mail-in recycling option, and Gold driving ranges to see if they reuse or recycling (earn Sta& cans. Paper & Styrofoam FIREWORKS  Circuit E-Cycling (Palmer) will accept them for reuse. ples rewards). Other options egg cartons are not recyclaLive fireworks are extremely charges a nominal per pound dangerous, and must be dismay be found via a search on ble, but are often reused by fee to recycle DVDs, disks GREETING CARDS www.earth911, or find mail-in backyard chicken farmers. posed of with great caution; and tapes: www.goldcircuite- call your local Fire DepartCards are recyclable with donation programs via an Paper cartons may be comcycling.com. paper if they do not contain online search (“cartridge posted in municipal comment. Do not throw unused foil or metallic inks. Remove donations”). post collections or in home fireworks in the trash.

EYEGLASSES electronics from singing compost bins, if ripped into To donate your eyeglass greeting cards & recycle the JUNK MAIL & CATALOGS pieces.

FLAGS frames and prescription lens- For the proper disposal of button battery (see “BatterUnwanted mail & catalogs es for reuse, look for a Lion’s U.S. flags no longer in usable ies”). St. Jude’s Ranch for are recyclable, but it makes ELECTRONICS  Club eyeglass collection box condition, contact the Amer- Children runs a greeting card more sense to reduce them State regulations prohibit in your local Post Office or reuse program (stjudesranch. at the source: disposal of screen-based ican Legion, the Veterans of wherever eyeglasses are sold, Foreign Wars (VFW), civic org); mail cards to: St. Jude’s electronics such as laptops, • DirectMail.com – free seror mail to: Lions Clubs Inter- groups, senior centers or Ranch for Children, 100 St. tablets, iPads, Kindles, flat vice to remove your name national Headquarters, 300 Jude’s St., Boulder City, NV screen TVs, monitors and Scout troops. from commercial mailing W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, 89005.

CRTs (cathode ray tubes) in lists (www.directmail.com/ IL 60523. New Eyes for the household trash, but many FLUORESCENT BULBS mail_preference); Needy is another mail-in HEARING AIDS items with power cords can & LAMPS  • Catalog Choice – free reuse option: www.new-eyes. (see “Mercury & Mercury-con- The Starkey Hearing Founbe recycled. Most municservice to stop delivery of org/join-the-vision. If reuse dation operates a hearing ipal transfer stations offer taining Products”) unwanted catalogs (www. is not appropriate, eyeglasses device reuse program. Mail electronics recycling procatalogchoice.org); should be placed in houseto: Starkey Hearing Foungrams, although disposal FOOD SCRAPS hold trash, as they are not dation, ATTN: Hearing Aid • OptOutPrescreen.com fees may apply. Electronics (also see “Cooking Oil”) recyclable.

Recycling, 6700 Washing– free service to end that are mostly metal, such Food scraps and leftovers ton Avenue South, Eden pre-approved credit card as computer towers and DVD are heavy to transport and & insurance offers (www. players, can go in scrap metal FERTILIZERS & contribute to climate change Prairie, MN 55344. (www.

PESTICIDES  starkeyhearingfoundation. optoutprescreen.com); recycling. when they decompose in (see “Household Hazardous org/hearing-aid-recycling) If Staples stores’ accept landfills; composting food • YellowPagesGoesGreen Waste”) your hearing aid is not worth computer-related electronwaste makes better envi– free service to take your

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name off phonebook mailing lists (www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/stop-yellow-pages)

from wastewater; drugs should NOT be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet.

Many area police departKEYS ments offer permanent dropOld keys can be recycled via off boxes for free disposal a scrap metal dumpster at of prescription and nonprea municipal transfer station scription drugs, vitamins, or brought to a local scrap and veterinary medications: metal dealer.

Agawam, Amherst, Ashfield, Athol, Belchertown, BernardLATEX PAINT ston, Buckland, Chicopee, (see “Paint & Paint-related Cummington, Deerfield, Products”) Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Erving, Goshen, LIGHT BULBS  Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Old fashioned incandescent Hampden, Hatfield, Holylight bulbs and Halogen oke, Leverett, Longmeadow, light bulbs are not recyclaLudlow, Monson, Montague, ble. Carefully wrap them in Northampton, Orange, Palmused paper or plastic before er, Pelham, South Hadley, placing them in the trash.

Southampton, Southwick, Fluorescent bulbs & compact Sunderland, Ware, West fluorescent bulbs [“CFLs”] Springfield, Westfield, Whatcontain mercury vapor and ely, Wilbraham, and Wilrequire special disposal (see liamsburg. You do not need “mercury & mercury-conto be a resident to use the taining products”). LED drop boxes in any of these light bulbs do not have to be towns. recycled, but contain valuAccepted items: prescription able materials and can be and non-prescription drugs, recycled with CFLs. vitamins and veterinary meds. NO liquids, syringes LIGHT STRINGS (see ”Needles & Sharps” Holiday light strings are below), IV equipment or cheNOT recyclable in municipal motherapy drugs. For more recycling programs because information visit northwestthey get wrapped around ernda.org/drug-drop-boxes. sorting equipment. Some NEW: Some locations of scrap metal dealers will national chain pharmacies are accept them for recycling. offering free drop boxes for Holiday LEDS has a mailprescription medications. Call in recycling program and your local store or refer to the sends donors a coupon for drop boxes for acceptable 15% off any purchase (www. items. holidayleds.com/christ The annual National mas-light-recycling-program. Prescription Drug Takeaspx).

Back Day will take place on April 27, 2019 from 10:00 MARDI GRAS BEADS AM - 2:00 PM. This collecMail Mardi Gras beads and tion aims to provide a safe, trinkets to the Arc of Greater convenient, and responsiNew Orleans’ reuse program: ble means of disposing of 925 Labarre Road, Metairie, prescription drugs, while also LA 70001 (www.arcgno.org; educating the general public 504-837-5105). about the potential for abuse of medications. Find a collecMATTRESSES & BOX tion site near you by visiting SPRINGS www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/ (see “Furniture”) drug_disposal/takeback, or by calling 1-800-882-9539.

MEDICATIONS & If you are unable to deliver PHARMACEUTICALS  medications to a drop box or Disposal of unwanted medi- a take-back day, medications cation must be done carefully may be safely disposed of in for many reasons. Wastewa- the following manner: 1) Reter treatment plants & septic move any personal info from systems are not designed labels that could be used to remove pharmaceuticals to obtain refills; 2) Render

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE medications unattractive to children, pets & thieves by dissolving pills or tablets in a small amount of water or rubbing alcohol (pour liquids into kitty litter or sand); 3) Place in two sealed plastic bags; and 4) Conceal the package in your trash. If you have large quantities of medications, consider disposing of them in smaller batches over time. Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so.

Due to their small size and a protective lining, empty pill bottles are not recyclable. Be creative with reuse! For example, some animal shelters collect empty pill bottles to send medicines home with adoptees.

MERCURY & MERCURY-CONTAINING PRODUCTS 

Mercury is highly toxic & requires special disposal.

It is not hazardous when contained in a sealed device.

Placing items in sealed plastic bags & handling them carefully to avoid breakage will reduce exposure. Never put mercury (or items containing mercury) in the trash or down a drain. Don’t vacuum even the smallest spill. Instructions for handling mercury exposure can be found at: www.mass.gov; enter “mercury” in the search bar, or search the web for “broken CFL” or “mercury spill.”

• Fluorescent light bulbs All fluorescent light bulbs (even the low-mercury bulbs with green tips) contain mercury vapor.

For assistance, businesses, residents and organizations can call the RecyclingWorks hotline at 1-888-254-5525 or email info@recyclingworksma. com. Recycling options vary based on the type of bulb: • Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) fit in standard screw-type light sockets & are made of a glass tube. They come in a variety of shapes &

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S11

styles, & can be encased by an outer glass bulb. Free CFL recycling is offered at Home Depot, Lowes, and Solar Store of Greenfield.

• Larger fluorescent tubes don’t fit in standard screwtype sockets. These include long straight, circular or U-shaped tubes, tanning bed lamps, High Intensity Discharge (HIDs), & neon light tubing. Accepted at most municipal transfer stations and some Hazardous Waste Collections.

Straight lamps and others are accepted at Lowe’s: handle carefully and hand to an employee.

• Thermometers Many older household thermometers (fever, candy, meat, deep fry, oven, ambient temperature) contain liquid mercury-based indicators. A mercury thermometer can be identified by the presence of a silver bulb at the end of a glass tube. Accepted in special programs at many municipal transfer stations and some Hazardous Waste Collections. If the bulb is red, blue, purple or green, it is not a mercury thermometer and can go in the trash.

ballasts are marked “No PCBs.” PCB ballasts are typically collected at the same sites as larger fluorescent tube-type bulbs.

Non-PCB ballasts are safe to go into trash, but are not accepted in scrap metal recycling bins.

MICROWAVES

(see “Scrap Metal”)

MOTH BALLS 

(see “Household Hazardous Waste”)

MOTOR OIL & FILTERS  (see “Automotive Products”)

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Donate used musical instruments to Hungry for Music (www.hungryformusic.org), and they will distribute them to underserved children in the US & abroad. Buy reused instruments locally by searching online.

NEEDLES & SHARPS 

MA Sanitary Code states that it is illegal to dispose of sharps (hypodermic needles, syringes, lancets, & all other “sharps”) as trash. Never put a container full of sharps in your recycling bin. Collection programs are available in many towns; call your Health Department or see a listing • Thermostats of all the sharps programs in Updating to a programthe state, go to www.mass. mable thermostat? Don’t gov and type “needles” in the throw away your old wall-mounted thermostats: search bar. Several mailin disposal programs are they contain a significant available; search online for amount of liquid mercury. “sharps mail-in programs.”

Leave thermostats in one Stericycle is an example of piece, place in a sealed a company that picks up plastic bag, and handle sharps for safe disposal from carefully to avoid breakage. In addition to munic- businesses that generate sharps: www.stericycle.com ipal collection programs, or 844-516-7291. mercury thermostats are accepted for free recycling PACKAGING MATERIALS at many plumbing retail (also see “Plastics”) stores (search by zip code Online purchasing has inusing “Plumbing Supplies”). For more locations, creased the amount of packaging in the waste stream. go to www.thermostat-reMost of these materials are cycle.org. reusable; some are also recyclable: • Ballasts Most fluorescent light fixtures produced before 1979 contained ballasts with PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), a highly toxic substance. PCB-free

• Cardboard boxes can be reused, & flattened boxes can be recycled in municipal recycling programs.

• Foam peanuts: see “plastics” SEE WHAT, PAGE S12

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What CONTINUED FROM PAGE S11

• Cornstarch peanuts may be composted in a backyard bin, reused, or placed in the trash. However, these are not accepted by commercial composting facilities or at packing shipping stores.

accepts latex paint year-round for modest fees (nedt.org; 866-769-1621).

PALLETS

(see wood under “Building & Remodeling Materials”)

PANTYHOSE

Worn-out pantyhose, nylon knee-highs, and tights in any condition can be sent to Recycled Crafts; they use them to make pet toys, rugs, • Styrofoam blocks & placemats, and table runners. shapes: see “plastics” Email recycledcrafts@live.

• Packing paper is reusable com for donation informaas well as recyclable. Place tion, or visit: savemyhosiery. any shredded paper in a yolasite.com. paper bag & staple or tape it shut before putting it in PELLET STOVE FUEL your recycling bin.

BAGS • Plastic sealed air packaging is reusable. Once deflated, it can also be recycled with plastic bags (see “plastics” for retail store recycling programs).

• Amazon’s plastic envelope mailers are recyclable with plastic bags (see “plastics” for retail store recycling programs).

PAINT & PAINT-RELATED PRODUCTS 

If your unwanted paint was purchased recently & it’s in good condition, consider donating it for reuse instead of throwing it away. Many school/community theatre groups will accept quality paint products. You may also offer useable paint via an online sharing group (e.g.

Freecycle.org or a Buy Nothing Facebook group).

Petroleum (oil-based) paints, stains, thinners, & varnishes are considered hazardous materials, requiring proper disposal. Contact your local DPW for Hazardous waste collection information for your town.

Latex paint & water-based stains can be thrown away when completely hardened.

Speed up the process by adding latex paint hardener (available in hardware stores) or by stirring in clean kitty litter to the consistency of thick oatmeal & allowing the mix to harden. When the contents are no longer liquid, you can put the open paint can (without the lid) in your household trash. New England Disposal Technologies (Westfield, MA)

Several communities collect pellet bags from their residents for recycling on a periodic or year-round basis, including 13 transfer stations in Franklin County, and the towns of Plainfield and Williamsburg. Gold Circuit E-Cycling in Palmer accepts pellet bags from the public for recycling: www. goldcircuitecycling.com, 888-283-0007. Some retail store plastic bag recycling programs will accept pellet bags (call first). Pellet bags must be dry and completely EMPTY. Flatten and stack empty bags, roll up the stack and place the roll in an empty pellet bag.

PET FOOD BAGS, BIRD SEED BAGS, ANIMAL FEED BAGS

Plastic bags that contained pet food, animal feed, or bird seed are not recyclable in municipal recycling. Unfortunately, neither are feed bags that are paper because they are lined with plastic to keep moisture out of the feed. However, Terracycle offers a few pet food bag recycling programs, some of which have local drop-off points. Search www.terracycle.com using the brand name of the food. Local efforts such as The Bag Share Project are accepting certain types of feed bags for reuse: www.thebagshare.org.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Traditional, glossy photographs are not acceptable

in recycling because of the photographic chemical coatings in the paper. Old photographs are safe to throw in the trash. More modern photographs may or may not be recyclable depending on the printing process and the type of paper used. Home-printed photographs are acceptable in recycling.

PIZZA BOXES

Grease is a real problem for recycled paper. Only clean and food-free paper portions of pizza boxes can be recycled. The greasy portions must be discarded as trash or composted. In the following communities, residents with transfer station access may deposit soiled pizza box material in municipal compost programs: Amherst, Bernardston, Greenfield (open to non-residents), Leverett, New Salem, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Wendell & Whately. Coming soon to the transfer stations in Deerfield and Warwick.

PLASTICS

Many people assume that all plastic items are recycled, but recycling is demand-based; only those plastics that can be made cost-effectively into new products are collected. Please note that plastic containers from food, beverage, soap and personal care products are the ONLY type of plastic suitable for your household recycling bin. All other forms of plastic must go to a separate, special collection or into the trash.

Containers from food, soap and personal products The following items are welcome in your household recycling bin: plastic containers from food, beverage, soap or personal care products in the form of bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs (less than 2.5 gallons in size) and clear clamshell-type containers. Plastic caps & lids are also recyclable, but they must be attached to the container (not loose). When possible, flatten containers before affixing caps & lids (push caps inside container if they won’t stay on). Visit springfieldmrf. org for details and user-friendly graphics about household container recycling.

Do not put plastic bags,

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Styrofoam, black plastic, compostable serving items, and containers that held hazardous materials (such as automotive oil or degreasers) in your household recycling.

See “Keep These Plastics out of the Recycling Bin” for additional details.

Keep These Plastics Out of Your Recycling Bin! Some plastic items cost too much to recycle, cause problems at recycling facilities, are unwanted by manufacturers or are recyclable only through separate recycling programs.

Please do not add these to your household or municipal recycling mix: • Plastic bags, plastic wrap • Black plastic (microwavable containers, food trays, etc.)

• Forks, spoons, knives & serving utensils • Plastic cups, plates • Tubes (e.g. toothpaste, cosmetics, hair products) • Plastic containers greater than 2.5 gallons in size • Plastic containers which once held toxic substances (e.g. automotive oil) • Containers labeled “biodegradable” or “compostable” • Foam items (e.g. “aka Styrofoam®” cups, egg cartons, food containers & trays, packing material) • Molded plastic packaging (the type that requires a sharp object to open) • Binders, folders & plastic-coated (usually shiny) paper • Compact disks and cases, video & audio tapes • Plant pots & garden trays

tions, and environmental problems they create, they are only collected separately in retail and grocery store programs.

Clean and dry plastic bags and some forms of clear plastic film (such as bubble & case wraps) are recyclable only via special bins inside grocery stores and other retailers (e.g.

Big Y, Stop & Shop, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Staples).

In general, plastic bags and wraps are recyclable if they are: 1) clear or translucent; 2) moderately stretchy; and 3) free of all paper and food residue. An important exception to this criteria is household food or “cling” wrap (Saran® and Glad ® wrap), which are not accepted in these programs and must be placed in the trash. See the table, “Plastic Bag Recycling, “in this guide, or visit plasticfilmrecycling.org for additional details.

Dispose of the following bags & wrap in your trash: soiled (dirt, food residue), greasy, wet, painted or embellished (glitter, paper labels), non-stretchy or crinkly food bags (e.g. from pre-washed lettuce, grapes frozen foods, Legos), and bags from heavy items such as soil, mulch and driveway salt. Any bags labeled compostable should be composted or placed in the trash.

PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING IN RETAIL STORES ONLY: Never place plastic bags of any kind in your home recycling bin!

Please clip and hang this sign over your plastic bag recycling collection at home, in the office, at school, or at a business.

YES - DO RECYCLE in stores: • Bags MUST be empty, clean • Plexiglass and dry without receipts, • PVC products (pipes, siding, coins, or trash. etc.)

• Clean, dry plastic bags • Manufactured plastic wood labeled #2 or #4: (decking material) “HDPE,” “PE-HD” OR , “LDPE,” “LLDPE” • Six-pack rings (cut them up & then put in trash)

Bags & wrap (Do NOT place in household recycling bin) Never place plastic bags or wrap in a household, municipal, or commercial recycling mix. Because of the safety hazards, machinery malfunc-

Including: • Grocery & produce bags • Newspaper bags • Dry cleaning bags (no receipts/staples) • Plastic cereal bags (if it

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tears like paper do not include)

of acceptable items, see: plasticfilmrecycling.org.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE exchange for permit holders.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S13

craftspeople, or offer free to an online sharing group (e.g.

Freecycle.org or a Buy Nothing Facebook group).

turer take-back programs exist. Ask at your local store • Foam cups, plates, and or Google the manufacturer’s • Sandwich/Ziploc bags and Bulky, rigid plastic objects trays: Some foam recyclers name with “smoke detector bread bags: no crumbs, oils, (Do NOT place in household accept clean, white, food-rerecycling” for program and food (remove large zippers) recycling bin) lated foam. Many do not. shipping details. CurieserSCRAP METAL Many items are reusable until Contact a foam recycler di• Retail bags (#2 or #4) with vices.com offers a fee-based Many metal items (like string/hard plastic handles broken or damaged; offer free rectly for local requirements. mail-in recycling program. bicycles or BBQ grills) can on an online sharing group removed • Toothbrushes and razors Some communities allow be repaired, sold or donated (e.g. Freecycle.org or a Buy Preserve® brand toothbrushes to extend their useful life. smoke detectors to be thrown • Plastic outer wrap from Nothing Facebook group). & razors are recyclable via away in the bulky waste conBecause of the usefulness & packages of toilet paper, paOnly clean, molded, rigid plasspecial collection (don’t put tainer at a recycling/transfer value of metal, state regulaper napkins, paper towels, tic pails, bins, crates, baskets, them in your recycling bin!) tions prohibit throwing alumi- station. diapers, sanitary products totes, barrels, wheeled trash The Hadley Whole Foods has num, steel, iron, lead, stainless Carbon monoxide detectors • Bubble wrap, air pillows, toters (metal removed), and a Preserve® drop-off collection steel, copper, brass, or bronze are not considered hazardTyvek/plastic envelopes rigid plastic lawn furniture bin at their customer service ous waste, and can be safely scrap in the trash. Some (deflate air pillows/remove are recyclable via specialized desk, or there is a mail-in disposed of in the trash after metal items, such as batteries, labels) collection programs. Ask your program (“Gimme 5” at www. propane tanks, helium tanks, removing (and recycling) all community representative • Case wrap from cases of preserve.eco). For more tooth- ballasts, air conditioners and non-alkaline batteries (see about opportunities near you. water, canned pet food, brush recycling options, see “Batteries”). refrigerators, and automotive All other bulky plastic items soda, etc.

“Toothpaste Tubes” below. parts require special handling belong in the trash or bulky SPORTS EQUIPMENT due to toxic or pressurized • Stretch wrap from furniture waste if unusable, including PLASTIC POUCHES Sporting equipment exmaterials.

Many municipal or electronics toys, outdoor play structures, These multi-material transfer stations and recycling change/donation options NO - DO NOT RECYCLE clothes hangers, shelving, pouches, which can contain are found locally via charcenters have scrap metal in stores: kiddie pools, plant pots and applesauce, yogurt or fruit, itable organizations such dumpsters for the recycling • NO bags with food or mois- nursery/garden trays. baby food, and health/beauty of scrap metal. Search online as schools, Scout troops, or ture products, are NOT recyclable under “metal recycling” for the the Lion’s Club. Sharing via Foam (Do NOT place in in municipal recycling prohousehold recycling bin) scrap yard nearest you and its online groups (e.g. Freecycle.

• NO garbage bags grams. Terracycle runs sever- requirements. Suitable scrap org or a Buy Nothing FaceThe recycling market for • NO food or cling wrap (Saal different mail-in recycling rigid foam material (aka items should be mostly metal book group) has become very ran) programs for pouches and Styrofoam® or expanded by weight; if possible, plastics popular.

• NO pet food product bags polystyrene) is expanding, but caps; go to: www.terracycle. should be removed.

STYROFOAM some types remain difficult to com and type “pouches” in • NO coffee bags (see “Plastics: Foam”) the search bar. Please make recycle. Rigid foam prodSHOES • NO prepackaged food bags sure all leftover food and ucts may be divided into the Clean, gently used shoes are (frozen food or prewashed TELEVISIONS general categories of shipping moisture has been removed. usually accepted for reuse salad) (see “Electronics”) peanuts, large chunks, and and resale by organizations • NO chip bags, granola bar/ food-related serve ware (cups, PRESSURE-TREATED that collect clothing donacandy wrappers TENNIS BALLS LUMBER plates, trays): tions. Organizations that Check with your local animal (see “Building & Remodeling specialize in shoe reuse • NO bags with paint or glue • Large, rigid foam chunks: shelter or elementary school Materials”) include soles4souls.org, Large pieces of rigid white, • NO compostable plastic to see if they accept tennis rerunshoes.com, and oneclean and dry foam are recybags ball donation (schools use PROPANE TANKS  worldrunning.com. Shoes clable only through a special, • NO bag with a recycling them to reduce the noise and Larger varieties of propane in poor condition can be separate collection. Some symbol or # other than impact of chairs/desks on tanks can be refilled, and recycled into rubber playthose described in the “yes” communities collect this foam many businesses that sell floors). A mail-in recycling ground material and other at municipal transfer stations column program is available at tenpropane will accept tanks for uses. Visit an organization’s or at special collection events nisballrecycling.com. reuse under specific conwebsite to discover if they • NO soil or sand bags and transport it to a special ditions. Tanks are recyclaaccept worn shoes. foam recycling facility. Gold TEXTILES ble in special programs at Circuit E-Cycling in Palmer What about pellet stove fuel (see “Clothing & Textiles”) transfer stations or recycling SHREDDED PAPER (888-283-0007, goldcircuitebags? centers. Do not put tanks in Shredded paper is recyclable cycling.com) accepts white THERMOMETERS & scrap metal dumpsters or in municipal (paper) recy• Some retail stores accept chunk foam from the public THERMOSTATS  household recycling or trash. cling.

Never put plastic bags (call to ask). for a fee. (see “Mercury & Mercury-conDo not puncture. Close the of any type in recycling: to • Franklin County residents, taining Products”) • Foam shipping peanuts: valves on barbeque grill size contain shredded paper, use see: www.franklincountyAlthough difficult to recytanks. Some recyclers also a paper bag or paper lawn wastedistrict.org TOOTHPASTE TUBES, cle, foam peanuts are highly accept small camping type and leaf bag and staple or TOOTHBRUSHES • Gold Circuit E-Cycling in reusable. Some local retail tanks. Find commercial protape the top shut.

Tubes are not recyclable Palmer recycles: shipping outlets accept clean pane tank recycling options in household/municipal & dry peanuts (call first; at www.earth911.com.

SMOKE & CARBON MON(888) 283-0007; recycling, as they require search for a store near you at OXIDE DETECTORS www.goldcircuitecycling.com www.TheUPSstore.com). Or, PYREX, CERAMIC AND Most household smoke detec- highly specialized process• Pellet bags MUST be dry offer them for local reuse via PORCELAIN PRODUCTS tors contain a small amount of ing. Toothbrushes are too small to recycle, as they and empty: cut bottom and an online sharing group such Offer for reuse. Do not rea radioactive element, Amertop to release all pellets. as Freecycle.org or a “Buy cycle; dispose as trash. Try icium-241. While the quantity would get caught in conveyor belts at recycling facilities.

Nothing” Facebook group. The offering colorful ceramic/ is considered harmless, its For more about plastic bag Amherst Transfer Station op- porcelain items (even broken presence warrants special SEE WHAT, PAGE S14 recycling, and to see pictures erates a free shipping peanut ones) to local arts centers or care. Retailer and manufac-

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

What CONTINUED FROM PAGE S13

Terracycle.com runs a mailin recycling program that accepts toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, floss containers, and their packaging.

Preserve® brand toothbrushes can be dropped off at the Hadley Whole Foods’ customer service desk, or mailed in (visit www.preserve.eco for “Gimme 5” program details).

Home

Composting

Composting IS easy and can help reduce your household waste by 50% or more!

Over 50 western Massachusetts municipalities sell wildlife-resistant compost bins at cost, ranging from $25-$50.

To find out where to purchase a bin from your city or town, contact your community representative listed on the community info page in this guide, or call your town hall.

Compost bins are also available at local garden centers and online.

Ideally, a home compost bin should contain about 75% “brown” carbon-rich materials such as leaves, straw, used paper towels, napkins, ripped up egg cartons, paper bags, or newspaper, and 25% “green” nitrogen-rich materials such as food waste and grass clippings. Add a couple shov-

elfuls of yard or garden soil to introduce helpful microorganisms.

In your kitchen, use a small pail to collect fruit and vegetable trimmings, eggshells, coffee grounds and filters, stale bread and leftover grains. (In the summer, some people store their compostables in the freezer to avoid fruit flies.) Add these “green” materials to your bin by making a hole in the center of the pile, dumping the kitchen scraps in the hole and covering the scraps with soil, leaves, or other carbon-rich materials. Burying the fresh kitchen scraps eliminates flies and odor and speeds up the compost process. Do not compost pet wastes, meat, bones, poultry, fish, dairy, and oily foods such as peanut butter or salad dressing.

The composting process needs oxygen; stir the pile occasionally with a shovel or pitchfork. Add water as

needed to keep the contents as damp as a wrung out sponge.

Finished compost can be added to gardens and lawns to enrich the soil. Compost reduces the need to water, and reduces the purchase of bagged fertilizers and topsoil, again saving money and resources. For more information, see the MassDEP’s compost page: https://www.mass. gov/composting-organics.

TROPHIES

Contact your local trophy shop to see if they can reuse your old trophies. A Wisconsin-based trophy organization has a mail-in reuse program (awardsmall.com... search for recycling services), while only sports medals (medallions) are accepted for recycling at Massachusetts-based Sports Medal Recycling (sportsmedalrecycling.com).

TYVEK ENVELOPES

Tyvek envelopes (large, white envelopes that won’t rip: often from express shipments) are made of high-density polyethylene plastic and must be placed in the trash.

Please do not mix with paper recycling.

VASES

Glass vases are not recyclable. Donate to a local garden club, swap shop, or local florist(s) for reuse (call first).

VEGETABLE OIL

(see “Cooking Oil”)

VEHICLES

Old vehicles, even inoperable ones, are valued for spare parts and metal. Consider donating them to a charitable organization (might be tax deductible). Contact your favorite charity or search online for “auto (or vehicle/truck/ motorcycle/boat) donation.”

Alternatively, search the Internet under “Auto Wreckers & Salvage.”

WOOD

(see “Building & Remodeling Materials”)

X-RAY FILM

There are no special disposal requirements, but x-rays do contain a small amount of silver. Most hospital radiology departments will accept them.

YARD WASTE

(Leaves, grass, brush, Christmas trees) Throwing away leaf & yard waste as trash is prohibited

by State regulations. Many towns collect Christmas trees for wood chips. Consider composting your organic materials in a backyard compost bin; many towns offer low-cost compost bins and kitchen counter food scrap pails.

YOGA MATS

Yoga mats are not recyclable, but can be repurposed; search the web for “yoga mat reuse,” or offer via an online sharing group (e.g. Freecycle. org or a Buy Nothing Facebook group).

Please help us to improve this guide for the next edition! If you encounter errors or have suggestions for changes or additions, contact us at PioneerValleyRRR@ gmail.com.

Thank you!

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S15

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Out with the old,

in with the new.

By Keith O’Connor

where you can reuse valuable materials at a lower cost and But, don’t be too quick to save yourself plenty of money get rid of those items you in the remodeling process. don’t want anymore, many of According to their website, which will end up at a landfill “By buying used materials with a huge environmental from EcoBuilding Bargains impact. Not only do landfills you helped divert 430 tons of have atmospheric effects, perfectly good materials from emitting a number of toxic landfills.” gases, such as methane, into “Don’t throw it away, the environment during the donate,” states their webprocess of decay, but they also site, noting they work with contribute to groundwater thousands of homeowners, contamination. contractors and dealers to divert building materials from Reduce, reuse and recycle the landfill. Among the reuse are popular methods which help reduce landfill waste and items on sale at the eco center save the environment. Reuse located on 83 Warwick St. is the second most popular include lighting, furniture, doors, appliances, cabinets, priority when it comes to lumber, plumbing, windows reducing solid waste, and it not only means getting those and more.

One of the biggest politems to people who can still find use in them, but making lutants of the environment them reusable for yourself as – some say the second largest pollution resource in the well.

Springfield is home to the world – can be found right in your home – clothing, shoes largest used building materials store in New England and other textile accessories – EcoBuilding Bargains – just waiting to be recycled SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN

and reused.

According to the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles (SMART) Association, textile waste has a “dramatic global impact.” They note the average adult throws away 81 pounds of clothing each year.

Out of this waste, 95 percent could have been recycled, yet only 15 percent actually gets donated or recycled for use, with an outstanding 85 per-

many can be resoled, especially men’s leather soled shows, and heels can be replaced for both men and women. An old shoe may also just need a stitch or two to make it useable again, or a sandal’s buckle may have broken but can be fixed,” said Jack Silva, owner of Ideal Shoe Service on 923 Belmont Ave. in Springfield.

The shoe cobbler noted it

have about 12 of them in my shop right now and all they need is a good shine and they will look great again. It’s like washing your car and feeling as if you’re driving a new one,” he said.

Silva noted he also repairs many pocketbooks, some of which cost quite a bit of money, especially if they are designer bags, saving his customer the expense of purchas-

“People bring their shoes to me just to be polished. I have about 12 of them in my shop right now and all they need is a good shine and they will look great again. It’s like washing your car and feeling as if you’re driving a new one,” says Jack Silva, owner of Ideal Shoe Service cent of textile waste ending up in landfills.

“My thoughts are that you don’t need to throw away all of your old shoes because

may be tempting to throw old shoes away because they look worn out.

“People bring their shoes to me just to be polished. I

ing a new one and adding to the environment’s overloaded trash heap.

SEE OLD, PAGE S16

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Old

You may have a suit or piece of clothing that looks oversized, but I can trim it down CONTINUED FROM PAGE S15 so it doesn’t look dated,” “I can put a new zipper in or Agostinho said.

“Even if you have a dress re-attach a handle if one has that feels too long today and come loose,” he said. you want to give it a new look, As for other articles of you can have it shortened and clothing, Trinda Agostinho, it will look totally different. owner of Perfect Fit sewing And, don’t be too quick to and alterations in Feeding throw a dress or jacket out Hills, had plenty of reuse because its zipper is broken, ideas.

“I find that many people are those can be replaced whether having quilts or pillows made just the slide or an entire new zipper,” she added. from the clothing of a loved Of course, when it comes to one as a remembrance. And I have certainly repaired many clothing, there is also “handme-downs” to consider from christening outfits that were used for a son or daughter and one child to the next or donating clothes you just don’t want now are being recycled for any longer to charity. Also, their grandchild’s christensome articles of clothing that ing,” Agostinho said. may have holes and are just Bodies change over time, “plain worn out” can be used but that doesn’t mean you as rags. have to throw your favorite

“Even if you have a dress that feels too long today and you want to give it a new look, you can have it shortened and it will look totally different.” says Trinda Agostinho, owner of Perfect Fit sewing and alterations article of clothing away relegating it to the landfill.

“I can take in or let out a pair of pants with no problem for men, who might have gained or lost weight. Unfortunately, for women, you usually don’t have anything to let out, but they can often be taken in. Also, right now the look is for trimmer clothing.

Another thought – many household appliances such as hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, washers, dryers, refrigerators and more that still work, but you want to replace with newer models, can be donated to someone else who can use them.

For more information on reuse, visit epa.gov/recycle.

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Why Compost?

Have you ever thought about why composting is important, or how it fits into your life?

it can help you grow stronger, healthier plants!

WORK

Composting can reduce operating costs. Since most businesses pay for waste disposal, diverting organic waste instead of throwing it away can make trash pickups less frequent, which reduces disposal costs.

We produce organic waste It’s the law. Massachusetts at home, but also at work and at school. Here are some businesses that produce more than one ton of organic waste great reasons to compost per week are legally required your organic waste in any of to divert it from landfills. One these settings! of the acceptable methods of HOME diversion is compost!

Reduce greenhouse gas.

You can get help! RecyComposting keeps organic clingWorks in Massachusetts, materials out of the landfill. a program funded by the When organic matter decom- Department of Environposes in a landfill, it produces mental Protection, helps methane, a potent greenbusinesses and institutions house gas that is 21 times maximize recycling, reuse, better at trapping heat in and composting opportuthe atmosphere than carbon nities. Your business could dioxide. receive no-cost technical Save some money. Comassistance, staff training, posting your food scraps, and signage to help increase leaves, and grass clippings your organic waste divercan help you save money on sion. RecyclingWorks MA disposal costs (especially if you pay for trash pickup), and also offers no-cost technical assistance to businesses that also reduce your costs for accept or would like to begin garbage/yard waste bags. accepting organic waste for Help your garden grow. composting. For assistance, Finished compost is a contact RecyclingWorks at nutrient-rich soil amend888-254-5525 or visit www. ment, which means it can recyclingworksma.com. help reduce the amount of fertilizer you need to buy, and

SCHOOL

Save the budget. As schools continue to search for opportunities to stretch their funding, composting is an easy way to save. Composting organic waste instead of adding it to the trash can reduce costs by making trash pickups less frequent and reducing the number of trash/brush bags needed.

HANDS-ON EDUCATION.

Composting offers excellent opportunities to educate students about a variety of topics, including food webs, decomposition, physics, the waste stream, and more! Additionally, if your school has a garden, compost makes an excellent soil amendment.

JOIN THE GREEN TEAM!

The GREEN TEAM is an interactive educational program that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, recycling, composting, energy conservation, and pollution prevention. Joining the GREEN TEAM makes schools eligible to receive composting and recycling equipment and lesson plans at no cost. For more information, visit www. thegreenteam.org!

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S17

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Permanent Rx Drop-Offs & Events The following Police Departments all have MEDRETURN boxes (according to the MEDRETURN interactive map); Agawam, Amherst, Athol, Belchertown, Buckland, Chicopee, Deerfield, Easthampton, Erving, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hampden, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Montague, Northampton, Orange, South Hadley, Southampton, Southwick, Sunderland, Ware, Westfield (Health Department) & Willamsburg.

New this year: The Holyoke Police Department has installed a permanent drug drop-off box in their headquarters. It’s for people who want a safe place to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription medications. “We have access to it every single day. Anyone [who] wants to drop anything off, just come; there’s always someone out there at the window,” Lt. Manuel Reyes. “We’ll assist you. We’ll bring it in and you can get rid of it.”

501 Sumner Ave Springfield, MA 01108

counter medications. They will not accept illegal drugs, needles, lotions or liquids, aerosol cans, thermometers or hydrogen peroxide. These kiosks are considered safe because they’re locked and monitored by surveillance cameras at all times. Also there is a take back box located inside Baystate Medical Center located at 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield Ma. It is inside the front entrance to the right and is secure and accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

DEA National Take-Back Initiative

April 27, 2019 10am-2pm The DEA website states to please check back April 1, 2018 to locate collection sites near you.

How Improper Disposal of Medicines May End Up in Our Drinking Water Sources In homes that use septic tanks, prescription and overthe-counter drugs flushed down the toilet can leach into the ground and seep into ground water.

In cities and towns where

residences are connected to wastewater treatment plants, prescription and over-thecounter drugs poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet can pass through the treatment system and enter rivers and lakes. They may flow downstream to serve as sources for community drinking water supplies. Water treatment plants are generally not equipped to routinely remove medicines.

For more information, go to www.epa.gov/ppcp/ Or call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800426-4791 DEA Registration Call Center 1-800-882-9539 to find a collection receptacle location near you

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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

S18 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Reuse

Projects

Nancy Bobskill runs a holiday toy exchange at the Agawam Public Library as well as textile drives.

(DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

By Cori UrBan

where reusing, repairing and sharing are the normal way A retired Agawam High of doing business rather than disposing.”

School Environmental Science teacher is still teaching She is involved in a variety that collectively people solve of projects to show others how they can reduce and reuse in environmental issues by working together and viewing an effort to improve the health of the earth. everyone and everything as valuable.

A used toy exchange, a used clothing exchange, zero waste “Right now many useful items end up in landfills or in- presentations and swaps are cinerators. So many items are her methods of choice to disposable and thrown away educate and inspire others to after one use, sometimes think about what they buy and minutes after buying,” said discard and how better choices could help the planet.

Nancy Bobskill of Feeding Hills. “We humans can put An annual Holiday Used our heads together and grad- Toy Exchange organized with ually come up with ways to the Agawam Zero Waste Club change our culture — a culture began in 2016 and takes place SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN

before Christmas. Bobskill and other members — Abbey Massaro, Danielle Light and Judy Kiely — collect gently used toys from community members who bring them to the Agawam Public Library on the second Friday after Thanksgiving. Agawam High School’s environmental club —SAVE Club — also collects gently used toys from students and staff and delivers them to the library on that same day.

Volunteers organize and set up a veritable toy store in the library’s community room. The volunteers include Zero Waste Club members, Agawam High School Nation-

al Honor Society members, SAVE Club members, other members of the Agawam High School community and the town.

The toys that are viewed as favorites are placed in a separate area, and participants can enter a free raffle.

The next day the public is invited to shop free of charge. “The shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to minimize waste,” Bobskill said. “These projects demonstrate ways to build community while using resources wisely.”

Another project she’s active with is the annual Kids’ Used Clothing Exchange that began

last year. Also organized with the Agawam Zero Waste Club, the exchange is orchestrated similarly to the toy exchange.

Donors bring gently used clothing for infants through teens to the library; The Agawam High School SAVE Club collects clothing from students and staff at school for a week preceding the event and the clothing is delivered to the library, next to the high school. An area preschool also collected gently used clothes from students.

Volunteers organize the clothing to resemble a clothing store.

Bobskill also hosts “swaps” to which family, friends and

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

neighbors are invited to bring gently used items to her home, and anyone in attendance can take these items home or give them away. Anything not taken is donated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This promotes the mindset of sharing and giving away what you may not be using while itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still usable. This is a fun get-together,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Bobskill is available to speak to interested groups about Zero Waste. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I address why it is constructive to move toward a Zero Waste lifestyle and reasonable ways to do this,â&#x20AC;? she said, noting that each presentation is tailored to the group she is addressing.

She has presented to Agawam High School students, Feeding Hills Congregational Church, the Westfield River Watershed Association Symposium, Agawam Parent Cafes, Agawam Public Library, Agawam Rotary Club, Ludlow Elks Club, Agawam Community Fair and Massachusetts Outdoor Expo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since conservation and sustainability is a serious topic, I lighten it up by bring-

ing Helga, a chicken-shaped purse, that demonstrates ways to practice Zero Waste,â&#x20AC;? she explained. The purse contains easy alternatives to disposable items. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Showing photographs of animals affected by marine pollution can be disheartening to me and the crowd so this prop makes people laugh while demonstrating ways that every person can make a difference,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small collective actions add up.â&#x20AC;?

Thanks to her efforts, thousands of toys and thousands of pounds of clothing have been reused.

Bobskill suggests people think twice before throwing an item away and consider who might be able to use it.

Can this item be repaired rather than buying a new one?

Can it be recycled?

She also suggests replacing disposable items with reusable ones. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some current environmental problems include landfills closing, marine animals dying after ingesting plastic trash, polluted waterways, trash-strewn areas, habitat

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S19

loss for humans and animals, climate change and deforestation,â&#x20AC;? Bobskill said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving toward a zero-waste lifestyle helps solve these problems.

We can solve problems when we choose to work positively together with an open mind.â&#x20AC;?

For more ideas, go to springfieldmrf.org/whatdo-i-do-with.

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Thank you for recycling. An initiative of MassDEP

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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

S20 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Fighting Contamination

If recycling containers are contaminated with nonrecyclables, it all becomes trash, defeating the recycling effort.

By Cori UrBan SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN

That’s why it’s important to make sure whatever is put into a recycling container is truly recyclable — and in the correct container.

That means no plastic bags, clothes, leaves, Styrofoam, pots or pans, wood, hazardous waste, dishes, trash, food and containers that have food residue on them go in roadside municipal recycling.

“Contamination that is significant will cause the entire truckload of recyclables to be rejected at the recycling plant.

The load then becomes trash,

which is more expensive to dispose of and wastes landfill space,” explained David L. Guilbert, Chicopee’s waste reduction enforcement coordinator. “Higher contamination rates result in higher costs to the municipality. Contaminated recyclables do not get to the proper recycling markets for reuse.”

Extra fuel is used for transportation of contaminated recycling to another facility.

The contamination slows down production at the processing plant, and it can jam the machinery, especially plastic bags.

The contamination must be removed by hand so that the recycled output has value.

“This increases costs, and in the end it will directly increase the burden on taxpayers since those costs are going to be passed back to the town it came from,” said Robert J. Colson, director of public works for West Springfield.

If recycled materials are contaminated and disposed

of as trash, “it will lead to a reduction in the greenhouse gas benefits that recycling provides,” he added. “Recycling removes tons of carbon dioxide from the environment. Globally (contaminated recycling) will lead us to a more polluted planet.”

Chicopee’s goal is that every

are less than 0.5 percent.

One of the hardest things to communicate to the public is that just because something is “recyclable” or has a “recycling symbol” doesn’t mean it automatically goes in the curbside recycling cart. For example, plastic bags can be recycled at the store where

go in the recycling cart.

The main items that do go in the recycling tote are clean cans, glass and plastic bottles, paper and cardboard.

According to Colson, although West Springfield did have some recycling contamination in 2015 and 2016, it has not had a record-

One of the hardest things to communicate to the public is that just because something is “recyclable” or has a “recycling symbol” doesn’t mean it automatically goes in the curbside recycling cart. recycling cart is 100 percent free of contamination. “Chicopee has one of the lowest contamination rates in Western Mass., historically less than 5 percent,” Guilbert said, adding that the current issue with today’s global markets is that acceptable contamination rates for some recyclables

they were obtained, but they cannot go in the recycling cart; clothes/textiles are recyclable through clothing/ textile drop-off boxes and programs, but they cannot go in the recycling cart. Tires, copper wire and Styrofoam are all recyclable through outside companies, but they cannot

ed problem since then. “We owe that success to the efforts of some great people with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Recycling Partnership, the DPW and support from our mayor and Town Council.

Everyone worked together to address our contamination

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FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S21

In order to reduce contamination of recycling, people must take the time to separate and clean their recyclables before putting them in the recycling tote and be aware of what really is recyclable. issue, and we found improvement,” he said.

In 2016 the MassDEP partnered with the Recycling Partnership and the Town of West Springfield and worked on a pilot program that provided updated methods and tools for the new MassDEPfunded-in-part waste reduction enforcement coordinator position held by Tim O’Grady. He goes out onto to the streets and physically checks recycling carts for contamination and works on a daily basis to educate the public on proper recycling. Residents that continue to contaminate after they are notified and educated on the requirements are fined.

“The recycling experience in Chicopee (which also received a

waste reduction enforcement coordinator grant from MassDEP) over the years has only seen one truckload of recyclables rejected and placed in the landfill,” Guilbert noted. “Chicopee residents have been diligent in their efforts to keep contaminants out of the recycling stream.”

In order to reduce contamination of recycling, people must take the time to separate and clean their recyclables before putting them in the recycling tote and be aware of what really is

recyclable.

Also, people should consider the recycle-ability of items they are buying, Colson said. “People must reduce their waste stream footprint.”

For more information, go to springfieldmrf.org, chicopeema.gov or townofwestspringfield.org/government/ departments/public-works/ recycling-and-waste-disposal.

NEVER PUT PLASTIC BAGS IN YOUR REGULAR MUNICIPAL RECYCLING BIN DO NOT PUT RECYCLABLES INSIDE PLASTIC BAGS

YES

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BELOW YES: Do Recycle in stores only

YES: bags that are empty, clean and dry without receipts, coins, and trash.

YES: Grocery & produce bags (#2, #4 only) YES: Plastic newspaper bags (empty) YES: Dry cleaning bags (no receipts/staples) YES: plastic cereal box liners (if it tears like paper do not include) (empty)

YES: sandwich/ Ziploc bags and bread bags: no crumbs or food and remove zipper from thick freezer bags.

YES: Any clean, dry plastic bag labeled with: “HDPE,” “PE-HD” OR , “LDPE,” “PE-LD”

YES: Retail bags (#2 or 4) with string/ hard plastic handles removed

YES: Plastic outer wrap from toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, diapers, sanitary products

YES: Plastic bubble wrap, air pillows (deflate/remove labels)

YES: Case wrap from cases of water, tea, canned pet food, or soda

NO

NO: Do NOT Recycle in stores NO bags with food or moisture in or on them NO garbage bags NO food or cling wrap (Saran) NO pet food products NO coffee bags NO prepackaged food bags (frozen food or prewashed salad) NO chip bags, granola bar/candy wrappers NO bags with paint or glue NO compostable plastic bags NO bag with a recycling symbol or # other than those described in the “yes” column

What about pellet stove fuel bags?

• Ask your supplier to take back and recycle them.

• Some retail stores will take pellet bags (call to ask).

• Gold Circuit E-Cycling in Ludlow recycles them: (888) 283-0007; www.goldcircuitecycling.com

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

S22 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Recycling’s most

D E T N UNWA

All the items listed here are NOT able to be recycled through your curbside or drop-off recycling collections in Western MA.

Below is an explanation of WHY they are not acceptable. Please bear in mind that all materials collected for recycling are sorted and then baled and sent to a vendor to be turned into new materials.

It is very important for these vendors that the materials be clean and correctly sorted.

If there is NO MARKET

for a material, EVEN IF IT APPEARS to be recyclable, then that material cannot be collected. Materials are sorted both by machinery and also by hand. Adding materials which cannot be recycled means those materials will have to be sorted out from the proper recyclables and then THROWN AWAY. This adds both time and expense to the recycling process, so PLEASE DO NOT include any of the following items:

they would need to be opened by hand to sort materials.

There is neither the time nor the personnel to accommodate this. Bagged materials will be THROWN AWAY.

3. Items that Wrap and Tangle: Includes items

such as hoses, light strings, anything which could wrap around a conveyor belt (think cannot be recycled through your recycling program of materials which clog up a because they wrap around the lawnmower, for instance). conveyor belt at the recycling These materials are both facility, which causes the line non-recyclable and cause the to be shut down in order to line to be shut down at the strip away all the bags. Bags recycling facility.

CAN be recycled through your 4. Syringes: These are a bio local grocery stores. hazard and pose a danger to workers. Needles of any kind 2. Bagged Materials: These should be disposed of propcannot be recycled erly through a municipal or both because they other safe SHARPS disposal include plastic bags program. Contact your local municipality for options. (see above) but also because 5. Food Waste: Food Waste should never be left inside of recyclables, nor placed in a recycling collection bin.

Think of the icky mess and the sorters having to handle the waste! Food waste CAN BE COMPOSTED. Check with your municipality for options including compost bin purchase programs.

1. Plastic Bags: These

6. Hazardous Waste Containers: Hazardous

chemicals leach into plastics, rendering the plastic unfit for other uses. Please deposit empty containers which have held hazardous chemicals into the trash.

7. Styrofoam: Expanded

polystyrene (EPS, trademarked ‘Styrofoam’) is not accepted at local recycling facilities, as its light weight makes it too costly to ship. However, EPS can be shredded and compressed into blocks to be transformed into pellets for recycling into picture frames and car bumpers. Please check the Springfield MRF website for Styrofoam recycling options.

8. Plastic cups: Such as Solo cups are categorized as a # 6 plastic. This is the same category as Styrofoam, polystyrene, and expanded polystyrene. There is no market for these items, please deposit in trash.

9. Light bulbs:

Incandescent light bulbs have a different type of glass from regular bottles and jars, which makes them unrecyclable, plus they invariably break making them a hazard

for workers. These should be deposited in the trash.

Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury and should be properly recycled. Several large home improvement stores accept fluorescent bulbs free of charge. Please also check with your municipality to see if they collect fluorescent light bulbs.

10. Pots, pans and scrap metal: These items get

caught in the conveyor belts at the recycling facility. Please check your municipality for scrap metal and swap shop options.

11. Dishes: Ceramics and other materials which make up dishware is not recyclable.

Please check with your municipality for swap shop options; otherwise please place in the trash.

12. Electronics: Electronics contain some hazardous chemicals and sometimes leaded glass. Electronics should be properly recycled; please check with your municipality for electronics recycling options.

For more information on recycling these items, please check the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility website at springfieldmrf.org.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Agawam

DPW 821-0624 DPW 821-0624

Curbside Drop-Off

1000 Suffield St.

Mon-Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm

Amherst

DPW 259-3049

Drop-Off

740 Belchertown Road

Tues, Thurs, Sat 8am-2pm

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Belchertown

DPW 323-0415, Station 323-0416

Drop-Off

135 Hamilton Street

Tues - Sat 7:30am - 3:15pm (Thurs: 7:30am - 5:15pm)

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Blandford

Transfer Station 848-2829

Drop-Off

Huntington Rd. Transfer Station

Tues 6-8pm & Sat. 8am-12pm

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Chester

Town Hall 354-7760

Drop-Off

Emery St. Transfer Station

Sat 9am-1pm & Wed 3:30pm-6:30pm

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DPW 594-3557 DPW 594-3557 DPW 594-3557

Curbside Drop-Off Drop-Off

161 New Lombard Rd. TO BE DETERMINED

* * Tu-F 7am -3:45pm, Sat 7-11:45 Closes June 29, 2019 * After June 29, 2019 call 594-3557 for location info

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Chicopee Deerfield

FCSWMD 772-2438

Drop-Off

42 Lee Road

Tues, Thurs, Sat 8:30am - 4pm

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Easthampton

DPW 529-1410 DPW 529-1410

Drop-Off Drop-Off

30 Northampton Street End of Oliver St.

1st & 3rd Sat 8am-12pm, April-Nov 1st & 3rd Sat 8am-12, Oct & May every Sat 8am-12

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East Longmeadow BOH 525-5400 ext. 1103 DPW 525-5400 ext. 1200 Granby Town Hall 467-7177

Curbside Drop-Off Curbside

Knowlton Tran. Sta. Somers Rd

Granville

Town Hall 357-8585 35

Drop-Off

89 Water Street

Greenfield

DPW 772-1528 ext.6106 DPW 772-1528 ext.6106

Curbside Drop-Off

86 Cumberland Road

Call DPW or visit website: www.greenfield-ma.gov for hours

Hadley

SWS 498-0099

Drop-Off

North Branch Road

Hampden

Town Hall 566-2151 x102

Drop-Off

Cross Rd. Transfer Station

Mon Noon - 6pm, Wed 1pm-6pm, Sat 7am - 4pm Tues 1pm - 4pm, Sat 8am - 4pm

Holyoke

DPW 322-5645 DPW 322-5645

Curbside Drop-Off

DPW Yard, 63 Canal St.

Longmeadow

DPW 567-3400 DPW 567-3400

Curbside Drop-Off

Ludlow

DPW 583-5625 DPW 583-5625

Curbside Drop-Off

Sat 9am-5pm all yr, Wed Seasonal 9am-5pm

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Recycling Ctre. Pondside Rd. DPW, 198 Sportsmens Rd.

Tues 1pm - 5pm, Sat 9am - 5pm

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Mon - Fri 7am - 2:30pm (yard waste @ 1 Berkshire St) Wed 10-5, Sat 8-5, Sun 10-5 (Seasonal Saturdays only) Wed -Sat 8am - 3pm

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Bulky Waste

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Curbside Sandy Lane off Turnpike Rd.

Sat 7am - noon, Wed 7am - 2:30pm Every other Tuesday

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DPW 587-1570 x4306 DPW 587-1570 x4306

Drop-Off Drop-Off

125 Locust Street 170 Glendale Road

Mon-Sat 7am - 4pm Wed 8am - noon, Sat 7am - noon

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Palmer

Town Hall - 283-2646

Drop-Off

DPW, 15 Bridge St

First Sat of month

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Russell

Town Hall 862-6200

Drop-Off

Frog Hollow Rd.

Wed 10-4, and 6pm - 8pm Sat 8am - 1pm, Sun noon - 5pm

South Hadley

DPW 538-5033 DPW 538-5033

Curbside Drop-Off

10 Industrial Drive

Southampton

DPW 527-3666 / 529-2352

Drop-Off

Southwick

DPW 569-6772 / 569-0160 Drop-Off

Springfield

Cust. Service 736-3111 DPW 787-7840 Hazardous Waste Depot Town Hall 258-4794

Curbside Drop-Off Drop-Off Drop-Off

Cust. Service 263-3246 Cust. Service 263-3246 Scale House 363-0090

Curbside Drop-Off Drop-Off

DPW 572-6226 Health Dept. 572-6210

Curbside Drop-Off

Twiss St Transfer Station

Town Hall 596-2800 x225

Drop-Off

Transfer Station 2720 Boston Rd

Wilbraham

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Curbside Drop-Off Curbside

Westfield

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FCSWMD 772-2438 FCSWMD 772-2438 Town Hall 862-3386

West Springfield

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BOH 267-4107

Tolland

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Montague

Northampton

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Monson

Montgomery

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Propane Tanks

Hours of Operation

Paint

Drop Off Location

Yard Waste

Collection Type

Motor Oil

Contact Info.

Electronics

Community

MRF

This table provides information about municipally funded solid waste collection programs. If an item is not checked for a particular town, call the contact number listed for more information; there may be an alternate disposal option or annual collection for this material. For more information regarding your communities program, call the contact number for your community or visit www.springfieldmrf.org

Scrap Metal

COMMUNITY RECYCLING INFORMATION

Tires

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019 | S23

Fluorescent Bulbs

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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Moose Brook Road

Sat & Wed 7am - 5pm

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Tues 11:30am-7:20pm Wed & Fri 8am -4:20pm, Sat 8am-3:50pm

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Bondi's Island Landfill 100 B Grochmal Ave. 163 Colebrook Road DPW Yd. 430 Westfield Street Westside Transfer Station

M-F, 7 am - 3:30 pm, select Sat. Select Saturdays Wed 5pm-7pm, Sat 9am-11am, Sun 3pm-5pm M-F 7:30am - noon, 12:30 - 3pm M-F 6am-4:30pm, Sat 7am-1pm

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S24 | FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Sonoco Products Company Don Ingram 200 South Water St, Holyoke MA 01040 +413/536-4546 office +413/530-1069 cell email don.ingram@sonoco.com 3110274-01

www.sonoco.com Scale hours : M-F 7am - 2:30pm