Reduce Reuse
Recycle
Supporting Sustainability in the Pioneer Valley Brought to you by The Republican and MassLive.com
S2 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
Reduce Reuse Recycle Acknowledgements This guide marks the thirteenth year of a collaborative effort between The Republican and the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) Advisory Board, with support from local advertisers. It is being produced as part of our Earth Day 2021 Celebration. MRF Advisory Board members, Jan Ameen (Franklin County Solid Waste Management District ), Veronique Blanchard (Mass DEP), Kathleen Casey (Hilltown Resource Management Cooperative), Tracy DeMaio (Hampden County), Amy Donovan (Franklin County Solid Waste Management District), Cristina Ferrera (City of Springfield), Abbey Massaro (Hampden County), Michael Pattavina (Franklin County), Arlene Miller (Hampden County) and Susan Waite (Hampshire County) wrote or contributed to the text. Arlene Miller, Chair of the Advisory Board says, “It is our hope that both residents and businesses continue to find the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Guide a valuable tool in managing unwanted materials. Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw their ad in this Recycle Guide! “
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
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Dear Residents and Business Owners:
What a difference a year has made! Last year we highlighted the “Chinese National sword,” which led to a recycling market glut and falling commodity values. The hot recycling news this year is all about pizza boxes, the development of domestic markets and an increase in commodity market values. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to stay home more, and---frustrating as that has been for many--the recycling industry benefitted from that shift. It turns out that staying home, ordering in and eating lots of pizza created a very high demand for the paper fiber found in pizza boxes. So much so that the rules about which pizza boxes may be recycled has changed. The new standard is “empty” pizza boxes. Recycle the pizza box—the whole empty box. Another major COVID-19 impact for our recycling world is an increase in online shopping—and everything being delivered to our homes in a BOX. Although China’s interest in importing our paper dried up several years ago, the current hunger for box fiber within the U.S. has created such a demand that investors are building and renovating domestic paper mills and increasing domestic production of goods made from recycled materials. Timing is everything. Our western Massachusetts efforts have never gone to waste, but now the recycling industry is making a bigger impact on our domestic economy’s recovery. You will be able to read about this in several articles in this publication. Our dual stream and single stream recycling communities continue to deliver large amounts of quality recyclable material to processing facilities. We can all be proud of our role in the current recycling spurt…our careful recycling promotes a healthy recycling industry. We are pleased to celebrate the 13th edition of this Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Guide, and send special thanks to the Western Massachusetts business owners that make production of this useful resource possible through their advertising support.
Sincerely,
Arlene C. Miller Chairman, MRF Advisory Board
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WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S3
RECYCLES
The regional materials recycling facility (MRF) in Springfield sorts, bales, and sells recyclable paper and containers from over 65 73 Western Massachusetts communities. Owned by the State of Massachusetts and operated with guidance from the Department of Environmental Protection and a local advisory board, the Springfield MRF has processed over one million tons of Pioneer Valley recyclables since it opened in1989.
YES!
Please recycle these items:
WE PROCESS YOUR HOUSEHOLD CONTAINERS AND PAPER. Metal cans, foil, milk and juice cartons, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles/jars/tubs/jugs, clear plastic hinged containers (clamshells). Labels and caps on bottles are okay. Clean papers, magazines/catalogs, greeting cards, gift wrap & gift tissue paper (no foils or metallics), paperbacks & phonebooks (covers okay), cardboard, paperboard, empty clean pizza boxes. Paper clips, staples and metal spirals are okay.
NO!
THANK YOU*
* 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.
NO
TEXTILES!
NO
PLASTIC BAGS! OR BAGGED MATERIALS
NO ITEMS THAT WRAP AND TANGLE!
For information about recycling visit: www.springfieldmrf.org Paid for by the Springfield MRF Advisory Board.
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S4 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
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No Matter How You
Slice It
Above: Cardboard boxes, commonly referred to as “corrugated boxes” in industry speak, feature the characteristic wave shaped structure called flutes that provide strength and allow the boxes to easily stack and protect the contents inside. Left: At Pratt Industries’ new recycled paper mill and corrugating facility in Wapakoneta, Ohio, cardboard boxes are made with 100% recycled content.
The recycling facility called… they want your pizza box. Ok, maybe you haven’t received the call personally, but the U.S. box manufacturing industry wants Americans to know that their pizza boxes are a valuable feedstock for their factories.
as a whole. What’s causing this increased need? COVID-19.
ies of food, household goods, and cleaning supplies. Industry analysts describe the growth in COVID 19: online purchasing or “e-comThe Great Disruptor merce” brought on by the Like most of what we knew pandemic as “a massive shift pre-COVID, the recycling in consumer behavior, the type industry has been disrupted that traditionally takes decades by the pandemic. The panto achieve”. Predictions are demic created a big spike in that this shift will endure, even demand for paper used to make as we begin to emerge from the consumer packaging for food, pandemic. A recent Forbes cleaning supplies, medical Magazine Industry Council post equipment, and the cardboard predicts “consumer behavior boxes to ship those items to will never return to what it was homes and hospitals across pre-pandemic, but rather (will) the country. Panic buying of take form under a new normal everything from canned goods driven by convenience, flexibility and personalization — all and beverages to toilet paper and personal protective equip- of which can be accomplished through e-commerce”. ment put additional pressure on the manufacturing sector. At the same time, a huge source Recycling Supports U.S. Businesses of recycled boxes and paper Recycling is the first step in practically disappeared overBy Brooke Nash night when restaurants, hotels, a supply chain that provides Massachusetts Department of colleges and universities, malls raw materials to make new Environmental Protection and other retail shut down last packaging. And with more of According to the Fiber Box our recyclables going to U.S. spring. Association there are approxiIn normal times, just unmarkets in the wake of China’s mately 3 billion (yes BILLION) der 50% of the nation’s trash National Sword policy, pizza boxes used in the U.S. and recyclables comes from which upended the deeach year, which represents households and the rest comes cades-long export of 40% of about 600,000 tons of badly from the commercial sector our paper and plastic, COVID’s needed cardboard boxes that (businesses, institutions, manimpact on the U.S. recycling should be recycled, not wasted. ufacturing). When our homes industry has been compoundActually, the paper indussuddenly became our offices, ed. That’s one of the reasons try’s appeal for your old pizza our schools, and where we eat recycling was deemed an “esboxes is part of a larger need all our meals, our recycling and sential service” early on in the for more recycled paper and trash bins bulged with packagpandemic. A national recycling ing and other materials generat- industry official explained that cardboard to feed the nation’s paper and box-making industry ed by a deluge of home deliver- “instead of thinking about
recycling as something that just happens in kitchens and garages, recycling is really the first step in the manufacturing process that we rely on for our grocery and health care items, among other things”. Another industry official put it this way. “Recycling is not just beneficial, it’s absolutely necessary, and despite the destructive nature of COVID-19, the pandemic can provide the impetus to build a brighter and better future for recycled products”. With five U.S. paper mills, Pratt Recycling makes 100% recycled cardboard boxes out of mixed paper (household mail, cereal boxes, newspapers, magazines) and cardboard that is collected in recycling programs across the nation. Pratt’s president explained “we’re essential because we need boxes to pack all the supplies that have to get to people… sanitary supplies like toilet paper and paper towels, food products and medical supplies all arrive to their destination in boxes”. A Grief Recycling executive put a finer point on it: “Critical products and tools needed to help those with COVID-19 and prevent its spread in the workplace and at home, would not be readily available without recycled fiber to help produce the packaging required”.
Our Essential Job: Recycling
The humble cardboard box is the backbone of our nation’s packaging and delivery system that moves goods to businesses, hospitals, and more than ever, to our homes. The nation’s box manufacturing industry has long depended on a steady supply of “recovered fiber” (aka old cardboard boxes and paper) to make new boxes. Under COVID-19, U.S box making factories are literally working overtime to make new boxes from old ones. That’s why we need to work harder to recycle our boxes and paper to ensure they get the raw materials they depend on. So, the next time you wonder if recycling really matters, you know the answer. The boxes and paper packaging you put in your curbside recycling bin or take to the transfer station are literally creating the boxes for your next home delivery of pet food, cleaning supplies or groceries. Thank you for continuing to do the essential work of recycling, every single day. Brooke Nash is the Branch Chief for the Municipal Waste Reduction Program at MassDEP where she leads the Recycle Smart MA recycling education initiative.
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WHAT DO I DO WITH...? disposable roasting pans, and ferent mail-n programs for art clean aluminum foil (ball it up). supplies, markers, and pens: or require special handling. www.terracycle.com. Crayola ALUMINUM SIDING ColorCycle, which accepts AEROSOL CANS all brands of plastic markers, As of July 1, 2020, aerosol cans (see “Scrap Metal”) highlighters and dry erase of all types are not accepted AMMUNITION, markers, is paused for the duin western Mass municipal EXPLOSIVES ration of the pandemic (www. recycling programs. Check Call your Police Department crayola.com/colorcycle). with your local transfer station or recycle center to determine for proper disposal instructions. ASBESTOS if EMPTY aerosols (press the There are strict removal & distrigger until no “hissing” sound ANTIFREEZE posal requirements for asbescan be heard) are accepted in tos. Contact the Western Rescrap metal recycling. Aerosol (see “Automotive Products”) gion of the Mass Department cans with hazardous material APPLIANCES of Environmental Protection: in them should be brought (see “Scrap Metal”) David Slowick; david.slowick@ to a household hazardous mass.gov, 413-755-2246. To waste collection. For addifind licensed asbestos contional information, visit: www. ARTS, CRAFTS & HOBBY ITEMS tractors, go to www.mass.gov mass.gov/info-details/safeSome paints, solvents and and type “Currently Licensed ly-manage-hazardous-houserelated materials are hazardAsbestos Contractors” into the hold-products. ous and should be brought to search bar. ALUMINUM FOIL, CANS & a hazardous waste collection. ATHLETIC SHOES Always check the label before “DISPOSABLE” PANS tossing in the trash. Visit www. (see “Shoes”) Rinse clean & recycle with crazycrayons.com for informabottles & cans. Acceptable AUTOMOBILES tion about crayon recycling. items include aluminum pie pans and take-out containers, Terracycle offers several dif(see “Vehicles”)
= Items that are hazardous
AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS Automotive products contain many hazardous materials & must be handled with care. Do not dispose of in the trash, on the ground or down the drain.
• Motor oil Even a small amount of improperly 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. Check with your town for local disposal and HHW collection information. Or call the MassDEP Used Oil Hotline at 617-556-1022. • Motor oil filters Some auto supply stores (e.g. AutoZone) 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 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 thoroughly so there are no drips, put the cap back on, and throw away in the 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 SEE WHAT, PAGE S6
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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
S6 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
What CONTINUED FROM PAGE S5
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 from this material should be thrown away (do not recycle).
ALL other battery varieties contain hazardous materials and require special disposal. Never put these batteries in recycle or trash bins. Many communities have convenient drop-off options. Check you town’s website for local 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.
BABY FOOD POUCHES (see “Plastic Pouches”)
BAGS
(see “Plastics”)
BALLASTS
(see “Mercury & Mercury-containing Products”)
BATTERIES
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.
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
• 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. Many transfer stations accept them. • 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 should be recycled properly: some municipalities accept them.
• Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals and should never be thrown in the trash or put in municipal or commercial recycling bins. These are found in electronics that can be charged: cell phones, cordless phones, laptops, tablets, some digital cameras, camcorders, UPS battery back-ups, some toys, baby monitors, power tools, robotic vacuum cleaners, and emergency medical equipment. Also, rechargeable toothbrushes, razors, flashlights and hand-held vacuum cleaners, plus rechargeable batteries that can be recharged with a battery charger. Many local transfer stations accept rechargeable batteries. Home Depot, Lowes, and Staples stores accept Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion), Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn), small Sealed Lead Acid (Pb) batteries (up to 11 pounds). For more informa-
safely dispose of paint & household hazardous products
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tion and options for recycling rechargeable batteries, go to www.call2recycle.org.
BEER AND SODA PACKAGING
Although it looks like paper boxboard, beer and soda packaging contains an invisible layer of plastic (to stay strong when wet) and is NOT recyclable.
BICYCLES
Working bicycles in good condition can be offered to charities (search online via “bicycle donation”) or private organizations (e.g. www. pedalpeople.coop) that will use them, or may be gifted to individuals free via an online sharing group (e.g. Freecycle. org or a Buy Nothing Facebook group). For recycling options, see “scrap metal.”
BOATS
See more info under “Vehicles.” Boats might be accepted in bulky waste collections at some municipal transfer stations, or if metal, at scrap metal dealers. Call first. All automotive-type fluids must be drained and properly disposed of.
BOOKS
03012237
Books in good condition may be sold at used bookstores, donated to little free libraries, public libraries, or a book exchange, or dropped off at your local recycling/ transfer station’s swap shop (may be closed due to pandemic) or book donation box. Reader to Reader, an Amherst-based non-profit, provides library-quality books to U.S. schools and public libraries (www.readertoreader.org). Roundabout Books (Greenfield) accepts books in any condition; donations are sorted for local and mail-order sale and all types of unsalable books (including hardcovers) are recycled at a local paper mill. Also accepted: CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records in working condition (www. roundaboutbookstore.com; 413-773-0820). Paperback books & phonebooks unsuitable for reuse CAN be recycled in municipal recycling programs. However, the covers and spines from hardcover books are NOT recyclable; rip the pages out and
recycle those; place the spine and covers in the trash.
BOTTLE CAPS & LIDS
Plastic caps & lids are recyclable only if fastened to a plastic bottle/jar/jug/tub. Loose plastic tops should be placed in the trash; small items cause safety hazards and shutdowns at recycling facilities because they get caught in the sorting equipment. Metal lids, like those from glass jars, should be attached to the container. Metal lids from food cans should be pushed inside the can or recycled loose.
BOXES • Clean cardboard, boxboard, paperboard boxes are recyclable (e.g., boxes from cereal, crackers, tissues, shoes, gifts, etc.) Attached plastic windows may stay, but discard plastic liners. Flatten. • Pizza Boxes: A 2020 study by West Rock (a major US corrugated cardboard manufacturer) found that grease on pizza boxes does NOT cause problems for recycled paper manufacturers, as previously thought. If your community delivers recyclables to the Springfield MRF, it is now OK to put the ENTIRE pizza box into recycling…but it MUST be empty (no crusts, food, foil, plastic, or waxed paper). Check with your community for their latest guidelines. Link to the study: https://tinyurl.com/ pizzaboxes2020 • Frozen food boxes, ice cream cartons, case boxes from soda or beer, and kitty litter boxes are not acceptable in recycling or composting. These boxes are made with “wet strength paper,” a special plastic-reinforced material that keeps them from falling apart when wet. These boxes do not break down in the paper recycling or composting process and must go in the trash.
BUBBLE WRAP & INFLATED PLASTIC PACKAGING (Air pillows) (see “Plastics”)
BUILDING & REMODELING MATERIALS Construction & demolition (“C&D”) waste includes asphalt, asphalt shingles,
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
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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 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.
Canning jars (e.g. mason jars) are not recyclable because of the thick, heat resistant glass. Reuse, give to a friend who can use them, put in a tag sale or swap shop at a transfer station, or place in the trash.
Used building materials (in good condition) can be donated for re-use. The following organizations will accept some reusable items. Call prior to delivery to confirm that your materials will be accepted, or to arrange for free pickup. Deconstruction services may be offered. Items might be tax-deductible.
This category includes “gable top” cartons for milk and orange juice, Tetra-Pak and other “aseptic packaging” for almond milk, soup, and juice boxes). Cartons are acceptable in single stream recycling programs in western Mass. In dual stream recycling programs, “paper” cartons should be recycled with bottles, cans, and containers. Rinse cartons. Discard straws; plastic caps & spouts may remain on carton.
• EcoBuilding Bargains, 83 Warwick St., Springfield, MA (413-788-6900; ecobuildingbargains.org) • Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Westfield: 301 East Main St., Westfield, MA 01085 (413-642-8990; www.habitatspringfield.org/ restore Wooden pallets can be reused or recycled as “clean wood waste.” Disposal options for large quantities include (but are not limited to) Martin’s Farm (Greenfield: 413-7745631), Index Packaging (NH: 800-662-3626), 360 Recycling (Westfield: 413-562-0193).
CARPET
Flor® offers a free mail-back recycling program for carpet squares (www.flor.com/recycle). Some nonprofit organizations accept relatively clean carpet for reuse.
CARTONS & DRINK BOXES
Ice cream cartons are not accepted in recycling. Don’t include foil drink pouches (e.g., Capri Sun, Honest Kids) in municipal recycling. See “Plastic Pouches” in this guide for recycling options.
CARTRIDGES (see “Ink, Printer & Toner Cartridges”) CELL PHONES
Cell phones should not be put in the trash due to their reuse value & hazardous/ recyclable components. Do not put cell phones in recycle bins. Numerous charitable & for-profit organizations accept Note: pressure-treated wood cell phone donations. Search should only be disposed of in a online using “cell phone donamodern landfill. Do not put it tion” or check out in a backyard compost pile, a www.recyclingforcharities. brush or chipping pile; do not com, www.call2recycle.org or burn it or send it to a waste incinerator for disposal. Check www.earth911.com. Stores that sell cell phones will also your town’s website for bulky accept them for free recycling, waste disposal options. and many cell phone manufacturers offer buy-back proCAMERAS grams through the mail. Many Staples stores, Best Buy municipal transfer stations stores, and many electronic waste (e-waste) recycling pro- also accept them for special recycling, as do Home Depot, grams accept digital cameras Lowes, and Staples stores. for free. Canon has a mail-in recycling program: shop.usa. CHRISTMAS TREES canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ (see “Yard Waste”) recycling.
CANNING JARS
CIGARETTE BUTTS
Terracycle’s “Cigarette Waste Brigade” (Terracycle.com) accepts extinguished cigarettes, filters, loose tobacco pouches, outer plastic and inner foil packaging for recycling into plastic pallets and other products.
CLAMSHELLS & CLEAR MOLDED PLASTICS (see “Plastics”)
CLEANERS
(see “Household Hazardous Waste”)
CLOTHING & TEXTILES
Local reuse & donation opportunities exist for all textiles & shoes. Deliver CLEAN & DRY textiles & clothing to drop-off boxes serviced by organizations such as the Salvation Army (easternusa.salvationarmy.org) & donation centers such as Goodwill Industries (www.goodwill.org). DO include items that are torn, stained, with missing buttons or broken zippers, as these organizations sell damaged textiles to recyclers to be made into insulation. Acceptable items include these CLEAN & DRY items: mismatched socks,
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S7
shoes and gloves; all clothing and accessories including belts, ties, underwear & purses; and linens such as curtains, toss pillows, light comforters, sheets, towels, and stuffed animals in any condition. Some animal shelters also accept old sheets, blankets, pillowcases, bedspreads, throw rugs & towels for reuse. To find local clothing consignment stores or quality used clothing, go to www.thethriftshopper.com. See also www. thredUP.com, www.swap.com, www.refashioner.com, and wornwear.patagonia.com. Bras can be donated to Salvation Army or Goodwill; any items that are not in good condition will be baled and sold for textile recycling. New & gently used bras can be mailed to The Bra Recyclers for distribution to women in transition around the world: www.brarecycling.com; 480988-2283. Some non-profit organizations target specific types of clothing to benefit those in need, such as professional clothing
and wedding dresses (https:// westernmass.dressforsuccess. org ; www.donatemyweddingdress.org).
COAT HANGERS
Do not put hangers in recycling bins: hangers get caught in machinery at recycling facilities. Some charitable organizations accept hangers for reuse or resale. Metal 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 useable.
COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS
(“see Mercury & Mercury-containing Products”)
COMPUTERS & TV’S (see “Electronics”)
CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION WASTE (see “Building & Remodeling Materials”)
SEE WHAT, PAGE S8
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COOKING OIL
Never pour cooking oil down the drain. Liquids should be kept out of trash, recycling, and municipal compost bins. Lifecycle Renewables accepts vegetable oil by appointment from individuals. It also provides containers and pays for the oil at food service providers: 888-461-9831, https://lifecyclerenewables.com . Lifecycle Renewables’ used cooking oil is transformed into replacements for fossil fuels. Western Mass Rendering provides dumpsters for large collections: www.westernmassrendering. com; 413-569-6265.
CORKS
Corks should not be put in recycling bins, carts, or dumpsters. Natural corks can be crumbled & added to a backyard compost bin or put in municipal/commercial composting. ReCORK (www. recork.org) recycles natural wine & champagne corks (no plastic or metal corks); Ryan & Casey Liquors in Greenfield is a ReCork collection site. River Valley Co-op in Northampton has a Cork ReHarvest collection box (www.corkforest.org/ cork-reharvest). Wine corks can be reused in many creative ways (search online for “cork art”).
COSMETICS CONTAINERS Not recyclable in municipal
recycling programs. Mail-in recycling programs for empty cosmetics containers can be found at www.terracycle.com and www.maccosmetics.com/ giving_back/back_to_mac. tmpl..
CUPS
If your community sends their recyclables to the Springfield MRF for processing, rinsed clear plastic cups may now be included in household recycling (no lids or straws). Other types of plastic cups are NOT acceptable for recycling: polystyrene (#6 plastic), colored keg cups, and opaque plastic cups. If a clear cup is labeled “compostable,” it should NOT go in recycling. Compostable cups may go in municipal or commercial compost programs. These products are not designed to compost in home compost bins or piles. Paper cups are not recyclable and must be placed in the trash. Some paper coffee cups are designed to be compostable in municipal or commercial compost programs; check for text that says “BPI certified” or “compostable.”
EGG CARTONS
Clear plastic egg cartons may be recycled with bottles & cans. Paper & Styrofoam egg cartons are not recyclable, but are often reused by backyard chicken farmers. Paper cartons may be composted in municipal compost collections
or in home compost bins, if ripped into pieces.
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eyeglasses may be dropped in a collection box at a participating Walmart Vision Center. If reuse is not appropriate, eyeglasses should be placed in household trash, as they are not recyclable.
FOOD SCRAPS
(also see “Cooking Oil”) Food scraps and leftovers ELECTRONICS are heavy to transport and State regulations prohibit contribute to climate change disposal of screen-based when they decompose in landelectronics such as laptops, fills; composting food waste tablets, iPads, Kindles, flat makes better environmental FERTILIZERS & screen TVs, monitors and sense. Local composting PESTICIDES CRTs (cathode ray tubes) in options include home com(see “Household Hazardous household trash. Most muposting, municipal transfer Waste”) nicipal transfer stations offer station programs (in Amelectronics recycling proherst, Bernardston, Conway, grams, although disposal fees FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Deerfield, Greenfield, Levermay apply. Electronics that are Fire extinguishers are considett, Montague, New Salem, ered hazardous because their mostly metal, such as comNorthampton, Northfield, puter towers and DVD players, contents are under pressure. Orange, Wendell & Whately); Units manufactured prior to can also go in scrap metal and (where available) curbside 1984 may contain dangerous recycling at transfer stations pick-up by a private waste chemicals. For disposal and and recycle centers. hauler. Find a hauler near you recycling: at: https://recyclingworksma. Staples stores accept com• Businesses & property man- com. Many municipalities offer puter-related electronic waste agers can contact their fire discounted purchase programs for free recycling; call your control service provider. for countertop collection pails local store for details. Staples and home compost bins; check • Some municipal transfer does not accept TVs. Best Buy your town website or call your stations accept newer fire accepts a wide range of elecDPW for local information. For extinguishers for special tronic waste for free recycling, recycling along with propane home composting instructions, and also offers a trade-in reuse visit www.mass.gov and search tanks; check your town program. Best Buy accepts website or call your DPW for for “home compost.” TVs for a fee. For more inforlocal information. mation, call your local store or FRUIT SNACK POUCHES • Some municipal hazardous visit their website and search (see “Plastic Pouches”) waste collections may acfor “recycling.” Computer cept older fire extinguishers: manufacturers sometimes FURNITURE ask before bringing them to offer electronics recycling or Furniture in good condition a collection. trade-in programs, visit their can be sold or donated for • MA Fire Technologies acwebsites for details. Varireuse. Donating mattresses cepts all types of fire extinous charities and non-profits & box springs can be difficult, guishers for a small fee (49 accept donations of working as most charities don’t accept Heywood Ave, West Spring- them. When you purchase a electronics, including local field; https://massfire.com, Salvation Army and Goodwill new mattress, ask the retail800-244-6769). stores. Always call ahead to er to take back and recycle ask if they can accept your • New England Disposal Tech- the old one. Some transfer item. stations in western MA accept nologies (Westfield, MA) mattresses for recycling; fees accepts fire extinguishers ELECTRONIC MEDIA apply. year-round for modest fees (CDs, DVDs) (www.nedt.org; 866-769Do not add electronic media to GOLF BALLS 1621). your household recycling. CD Contact local golf courses or cases easily shatter and the driving ranges to see if they FIREWORKS glass-like shards create hazwill accept them for reuse. Live fireworks are extremeards and other problems at the ly dangerous and must be recycling facility. If selling or disposed of with great caution; GREETING CARDS donating used media is not an call your local Fire DepartCards are recyclable with option (some communities ac- ment. Do not throw unused paper if they do not contain cept certain types via book do- fireworks in the trash. foil or metallic inks. Remove nation programs), GreenDisk. electronics from singing greetcom offers a fee-based, mail-in FLAGS ing cards & recycle button recycling option. batteries in battery recycling For the proper disposal of programs (see “Batteries”). St. U.S. flags no longer in usable EYEGLASSES Jude’s Ranch for Children runs condition, contact the AmerDue to the pandemic, Lion’s a greeting card reuse program; ican Legion, the Veterans of Club eyeglass collection boxes Foreign Wars (VFW), civic note restrictions on certain have been removed from Post groups, senior centers or Scout brands: https://stjudesranch. Office lobbies. Eyeglass org/recycled-card-program. troops. frames and prescription lenses can be mailed to: Lions Clubs HEARING AIDS FLUORESCENT BULBS & International Headquarters, The National Hearing Aid LAMPS 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak (see “Mercury & Mercury-con- Project accepts used hearing Brook, IL 60523. In addition, aids for refurbishment and taining Products”)
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
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distribution to those that need them: https://hearingaiddonations.org, 816-895-2410. If your hearing aid is not worth salvaging, remove the button battery and recycle it in a battery recycling program (see “Batteries”), then place the hearing aid in the trash.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
First, consider using up the product according to package directions, or giving it away to someone who will. Products with warnings & words like caustic, toxic, corrosive, poison, flammable, danger & “keep out of reach of children” on the label require special handling. Check with your town website or call your DPW for local HHW collection information. New England Disposal Technologies (Westfield, MA) accepts many household hazardous wastes year-round for modest fees (www.nedt.org; 866-769-1621). For safe alternatives to hazardous household products visit: https:// www.lesstoxicguide.ca, or www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/ ecofriendly-cleaning.
INK, PRINTER & TONER CARTRIDGES
Local schools & non-profit organizations sometimes collect cartridges for fundraising purposes, and Staples accepts used cartridges for reuse or recycling (earn Staples rewards). Other options may be found via a search on earth911.com or find mail-in donation programs via an online search (“cartridge donations”).
JUNK MAIL & CATALOGS
Unwanted mail & catalogs are recyclable, but it makes more sense to reduce them at the source: • DirectMail.com provides a free service to remove your name from commercial mailing lists (www.directmail.com/mail_preference); • Catalog Choice is a free service to stop delivery of unwanted catalogs (www. catalogchoice.org); • OptOutPrescreen.com offers a free service to end pre-approved credit card & insurance offers (http:// www.optoutprescreen.com); • Yellow Pages Opt Out pro-
vides a free service to take your name off phonebook mailing lists (www.yellowpagesoptout.com)
KEYS
Old keys can be recycled via a scrap metal dumpster at a municipal transfer station, or brought to a local scrap metal dealer.
LATEX PAINT
(see “Paint & Paint-related Products”)
Medications should NOT be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet. Wastewater treatment plants & septic systems are not designed to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater. Medications should not be thrown in the trash; see below. Help stop prescription drug misuse and abuse. Bring your unwanted, expired, or unused medications to one of the sites below for safe disposal.
Many area police departments offer permanent drop-off boxes Fluorescent bulbs and for free disposal of prescription compact fluorescent bulbs and nonprescription drugs, [“CFLs”] contain mercury vitamins, and veterinary medvapor and require special dis- ications: Agawam, Amherst, posal (see “mercury & mercu- Ashfield, Athol, Belchertown, ry-containing products”). LED Bernardston, Buckland, Chilight bulbs do not have to be copee, Cummington, Deerfield, recycled, but contain valuable Easthampton, East Longmeadmaterials and can be recycled ow, Erving, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hampden, with CFLs; check your town Hatfield, Holyoke, Leverett, website or call your DPW Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monfor local information. Old son, Montague, Northampton, fashioned incandescent light bulbs and Halogen light bulbs Orange, Palmer, Pelham, South Hadley, Southampton, Southare not recyclable. Carefully wick, Sunderland, Ware, West wrap incandescent light bulbs in used paper or plastic Springfield, Westfield, Whately, Wilbraham, and Williamsbefore placing them in burg. You do not need to be a the trash. resident to use the drop boxes in any of these towns. LIGHT STRINGS Accepted items: prescription Holiday light strings are NOT and non-prescription drugs, accepted in municipal recyvitamins and veterinary meds. cling programs because they NO liquids, syringes (see get wrapped around sorting ”Needles & Sharps” below), IV equipment. Some scrap metal dealers and scrap metal equipment or chemotherapy dumpsters at transfer stations drugs. For more information will accept them for recycling. visit www.northwesternda. org/addiction-recovery/pages/ Broken light strings can be drug-drop-boxes. mailed to Christmas Light Source (http://bit.ly/2qkCIMu) Many national chain pharmacies have free drop boxes for or Holiday LEDs (http://bit. prescription medications. Call ly/2sJqSMJ) for a discount on your local store for availability a future order. or search a DEA listing of disposal sites at https://tinyurl. MARDI GRAS BEADS com/deadisp. For acceptable Mail Mardi Gras beads and items, see signage on the drop trinkets to the Arc of Greater boxes, call stores or visit pharNew Orleans’ reuse program: macy websites. Some stores ArcGNO, 925 Labarre Road, that do not have drop boxes Metairie, LA 70001 (www. arcgno.org; 504-324-1919). offer the DisposeRX program: https://disposerx.com
LIGHT BULBS
MATTRESSES & BOX SPRINGS (see “Furniture”)
MEDICATIONS & PHARMACEUTICALS
Disposal of unwanted medication must be done carefully for several important reasons.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days are scheduled for every April and October. DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 24, 2021, from 10AM to 2PM. Find an upcoming collection by visiting www.deadiver-
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S9
sion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/ takeback. If you are truly unable to deliver medications to a drop box or a take-back day, medications may be safely disposed of in the following manner: 1) Remove any personal info from labels that could be used to obtain refills; 2) Render medications unattractive to children, pets & thieves by dissolving pills or tablets in a small amount of water or rubbing alcohol (pour liquid medication into a container of 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 or bringing to a collection or drop box. 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, 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 and requires special disposal. It is not hazardous when contained in a sealed device. Reduce exposure by placing items in sealed plastic bags & handling them carefully to avoid breakage. Never put mercury (or items containing mercury) in trash or recycling bins, on the ground, 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.” Call the Mass DEP Mercury Hotline if you have questions about mercury or managing it safely: 866-9MERCURY (866963-7287). Check your town website or call your DPW for local disposal information for the following items.
• 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 screwtype light sockets & are made of a glass tube. They come in a variety of shapes and styles, and can be encased by an outer glass bulb. Accepted at most municipal transfer stations and some Hazardous Waste Collections. Free CFL recycling is offered at Home Depot and Lowe’s Stores. • Larger fluorescent tubes are the types that do not fit in standard screw-type 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 place in the collection box that is located in Lowe’s lobby. • Thermometers Many older household thermometers (fever, candy, meat, deep fry, oven, temperature) can contain liquid mercury. 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. Handle carefully and seal in a plastic bag. If the thermometer liquid and bulb is red, blue, purple or green, it is not a mercury thermometer and it can go in the trash. • Thermostats Updating to a programmable thermostat? Don’t throw away your old wall-mounted thermostats: they contain a significant amount of liquid mercury. Leave thermostats in one piece, place in
SEE WHAT, PAGE S10
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S10 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
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 wraps • Black plastic (microwavable containers, food trays, etc.) • Forks, spoons, knives & serving utensils • Plastic plates and colored/ opaque plastic cups (clear plastic cups are accepted in recycling unless labeled “Compostable”) • 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. motor oil) • Containers or cups labeled “biodegradable” or “compostable” • Foam (aka Styrofoam) items (cups, egg cartons, food containers/trays, & packing material) • Molded plastic packaging (the stiff type that requires a sharp object to open) • Binders, folders & plastic-coated (usually shiny) paper • CDs, DVDs and cases, video & audio tapes • Plant pots & garden trays • Six-pack rings (cut them up & then put in trash) • Plexiglass • PVC products (pipes, siding, etc.) • Manufactured plastic wood (decking material)
What
mail-in disposal programs are available; search online for “sharps mail-in programs.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE S9 Stericycle is an example of a company that picks up sharps for safe disposal from busia sealed plastic bag, and nesses that generate sharps: handle carefully to avoid breakage. In addition to mu- www.stericycle.com or 866nicipal collection programs, 783-7422. mercury thermostats are acPACKAGING MATERIALS cepted for free recycling at many plumbing retail stores (also see “Plastics”) Online purchasing has in(search by zip code using creased the amount of packag“Plumbing Supplies”). For more locations, go to http:// ing in the waste stream. Most www.thermostat-recycle.org. of these materials are 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 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 or bulky waste, but are often not accepted in scrap metal recycling bins.
• Cardboard boxes can be reused, & flattened boxes can be recycled in municipal recycling programs.
• Foam peanuts: see “Plastics” • 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.
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• New England Disposal Technologies (Westfield, MA) accepts all types of paint year-round for modest fees (nedt.org; 866-769-1621). • 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.
PALLETS
(see wood under “Building & Remodeling Materials”)
PANTYHOSE
Recycled Crafts recycles pantyhose, nylon knee-highs, and tights into pet toys, rugs, placemats, and table runners. They accept clean hosiery in any condition, even those with rips and snags. Email recycledcrafts@live.com for donation information, or visit: savemyhosiery.yolasite.com. Hosiery is also accepted in textile recycling programs, see “Clothing & Textiles.”
However, Terracycle offers a few pet food bag recycling programs, some of which have local drop-off points. Go to www.terracycle.com and type “pet food bags” in the search bar. The Bag Share Project, a local group, accepts certain types of feed bags for reuse, and provides instruction on how to make bags: 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
Pizza Boxes: A 2020 study by West Rock (a major US corrugated cardboard manu• Styrofoam blocks & shapes: facturer) found that grease on see “Plastics” pizza boxes does NOT cause • Packing paper is reusable as problems for recycled paper MICROWAVES well as recyclable. manufacturers, as previously (see “Scrap Metal”) thought. If your communi• Plastic sealed air packaging ty delivers recycling to the and bubble wrap are reusMOTH BALLS Springfield MRF, it is now OK able. Once deflated, they (see “Household Hazardous to put the ENTIRE pizza box can be recycled with plastic Waste”) bags (see “plastics” for retail PELLET STOVE FUEL BAGS into recycling…but it MUST be empty (no crusts, food, store recycling programs). Due to a lack of end markets, MOTOR OIL & FILTERS Accepted for reuse by some all local recycling programs for foil, plastic, or waxed paper). (see “Automotive Products”) pack & ship stores. pellet bags have been stopped. Check with your community for their latest guidelines. Link Plastic bags should never MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS • Amazon’s plastic envelope to the study: https://tinyurl. go into municipal recycling Donate used musical instrumailers are recyclable with com/pizzaboxes2020 programs. Some retail store ments to Hungry for Music plastic bags (see “plastics” plastic bag recycling programs (hungryformusic.org), and for retail store recycling PLASTICS will accept pellet bags (call they will distribute them to programs). Remove or cut Many people assume that all first). Pellet bags must be dry underserved children in the US out paper labels. plastic items are accepted and completely EMPTY. Turn & abroad. Buy reused instruin recycling, but recycling is inside out, flatten and stack ments locally by searching PAINT & PAINT-RELATED empty bags, roll up the stack demand-based; only those online. PRODUCTS plastics that can be made and place the roll in an empty If your unwanted paint was cost-effectively into new pellet bag. Ask your pellet NEEDLES & SHARPS purchased recently & it’s in products are collected. Please supplier about bulk delivery MA Sanitary Code states that good condition, consider (which eliminates bags), recy- note that plastic containers it is illegal to dispose of sharps donating it for reuse instead of cling programs, or take back from food, beverage, soap and (hypodermic needles, syringes, throwing it away. Many school programs. personal care products are the lancets, & all other “sharps”) as or community theatre groups ONLY type of plastic suitable trash. Never put a container will accept quality paint for your household recycling PET FOOD BAGS, BIRD full of sharps in your recycling products. You may also offer SEED BAGS, ANIMAL FEED bin. All other forms of plastic bin. Collection programs are useable paint via an online must go to a separate, special BAGS available in many towns; call sharing group (e.g. Freecycle. Plastic bags that contained pet collection or into the trash. See your Health Department or org or a Buy Nothing Facebook food, animal feed, or bird seed “Keep These Plastics out of the see a listing of all the sharps group). Recycling Bin” for additional are not recyclable in municiprograms in the state, go details. pal recycling or in plastic bag to www.mass.gov and type • Petroleum (oil-based) paints, recycling programs at retail “needle disposal” in the search Containers from food, soap stains, thinners, & varnishes stores. Unfortunately, neither bar. Sharps containers are and personal products are considered hazardous are paper feed bags because available for purchase at pharmaterials, requiring proper The following items are they are lined with plastic to macies, and mail-in or pick up option is available. Several disposal. keep moisture out of the feed. welcome in your household re-
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cycling 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 bottle caps & plastic tub lids are recyclable, if attached to the container (not loose). When possible, flatten containers before affixing caps & lids (push caps inside container if they won’t stay on). If your community sends their material to the Springfield MRF for processing, rinsed clear plastic cups may also be included in your mix (no lids or straws). If a clear cup is labeled compostable, do not put it in a recycling bin. Visit springfieldmrf.org for details and user-friendly graphics about household container recycling.
Bags & wrap
(Do NOT place in household recycling bin) Plastic bags or plastic wrap create safety hazards, machinery malfunctions, and environmental problems at processing plants. Some of these materials are accepted in retail and grocery store collection programs (e.g. Big Y, Stop & Shop, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Staples). In general, clean and dry plastic bags and wraps are recyclable if they are: 1) clear or translucent; 2) moderately stretchy; and 3) free of food residue and paper (e.g. labels and receipts). Two important exceptions are household food or “cling” wrap, which must be placed in the trash, and bags labeled “Compostable” (which should be placed in a commercial or municipal compost bin or placed in the trash). Visit www.plasticfilmrecycling.org for additional details.
Bulky, rigid plastic objects
(Do NOT place in household recycling bin) Many rigid plastic items are reusable until broken or damaged; offer them for free on an online sharing group (e.g. Freecycle.org or a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group). Some communities offer specialized bulky rigid plastic (BRP) collection programs. Check your town website or call your DPW for local information about opportunities near you. BRP collec-
tions are highly selective and accept only clean, molded, rigid plastic pails, bins, crates, baskets, totes, barrels, wheeled trash toters (metal and wheels removed), and plastic lawn furniture.
Foam
(Do NOT place in household recycling bin) The recycling market for rigid foam material (aka Styrofoam™ or expanded polystyrene) is growing, but only a few varieties are accepted for special recycling programs. Rigid foam products may be divided into the general categories of shipping peanuts, large chunks, and food-related serve ware (cups, plates, trays):
for permit holders. • Large, rigid foam chunks: clean and dry pieces of hard, white, foam are only recyclable only via a special, separate collection. Some communities collect this foam at municipal transfer stations or at special collection events and transport it to a special foam recycling facility. Gold Circuit E-Cycling in Palmer (413) 3283187, www.recycleyourfoam. com accepts various types of foam from the public for a fee. Call for information. The transfer stations in Cummington, Plainfield, Westhampton and Williamsburg accept clean, white, packing block EPS from their permit holders.
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S11
programs for pouches and caps; go to: www.terracycle. com and type “pouches” in the search bar. Please remove all residual food and liquid.
PRESSURE-TREATED LUMBER
(see “Building & Remodeling Materials”)
broken ones) are sometimes used by local arts centers or craftspeople, so a phone call or a post to an online sharing group (e.g. Freecycle.org or a Buy Nothing Facebook group) may help extend their usefulness.
SCRAP METAL
Many metal items (like bicycles or BBQ grills) can be PROPANE TANKS repaired, sold or donated to exLarger varieties of propane tend their useful life. Because tanks can be refilled, and many of the usefulness and value businesses that sell propane of metal, state regulations will accept tanks for reuse un- prohibit throwing aluminum, der specific conditions. Tanks steel, iron, lead, stainless are recyclable in special prosteel, copper, brass, or bronze grams at transfer stations or scrap in the trash. Some recycling centers. Do not put metal items, such as batteries, tanks in scrap metal dumppropane tanks, helium tanks, sters, in household recycling, ballasts, air conditioners and or trash. Do not puncture. • Foam shipping peanuts: refrigerators, and automotive Close the valves on barbeque Although difficult to recycle, parts require special handling • Foam cups, plates, and trays: grill size tanks. Some recyclers foam peanuts are highly due to toxic or pressurized not currently accepted at also accept small camping reusable. Some local retail materials. Many municipal any recycling facilities. Place type tanks. Check your town shipping outlets accept transfer stations and recycling in trash. website or call your DPW clean & dry peanuts (call centers have scrap metal for local information or find first; search for a store near dumpsters for the recycling commercial options at www. PLASTIC POUCHES you at www.theupsstore. of scrap metal. Check your earth911.com. com). Or offer them for local Flexible plastic pouches, that town website or call your DPW contained applesauce/fruit, reuse via an online sharing for local municipal disposal group such as Freecycle.org yogurt, baby food, and health/ PYREX, CERAMIC AND information. Or, search online PORCELAIN PRODUCTS or a “Buy Nothing” Facebook beauty products, are NOT reunder “metal recycling” for the group. The Amherst Transcyclable in municipal recycling Offer for reuse. Do not recyfer Station operates a free programs. Terracycle runs sev- cle; dispose as trash. Colorful shipping peanut exchange SEE WHAT, PAGE S13 eral different mail-in recycling ceramic/porcelain items (even
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 and dry without receipts, coins, or trash. • Clean, dry plastic bags labeled #2 or #4: “HDPE,” “PE-HD” OR
, “LDPE,” “LLDPE”
Including:
NO - DO NOT RECYCLE in stores:
• NO bags with food or moisture • NO garbage bags • NO food or cling wrap (Saran) • NO pet food product bags • NO coffee bags
• Grocery & produce bags
• NO prepackaged food bags (frozen food or prewashed salad)
• Newspaper bags
• NO chip bags, granola bar/candy wrappers
• Dry cleaning bags (no receipts/staples)
• NO bags with paint or glue
• Plastic cereal bags (if it tears like paper do not include)
• NO compostable plastic bags
• Sandwich/Ziploc bags and bread bags: no crumbs, oils, food (remove large zippers)
• NO Tyvek envelopes
• Retail bags (#2 or #4) with string/hard plastic handles removed • Plastic outer wrap from packages of toilet paper, paper napkins, paper towels, diapers, sanitary products • Bubble wrap, air pillows, plastic shipping envelopes (deflate air pillows/cut out labels) • Case wrap from cases of water, canned pet food, soda, etc. • Stretch wrap from furniture or electronics
• NO bag with a recycling symbol or # other than those described in the “yes” column • NO soil or sand bags
What about pellet stove fuel bags? See “Pellet Bags” in this guide.
For more about plastic bag recycling, and to see pictures of acceptable items, see: www.plasticfilmrecycling.org
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Composting at home Composting at home is easy and can help reduce your impact on the environment, save your local community money on disposal costs, and helps create a nutrient rich soil for gardening! It is estimated that about 30% of what we throw away in Massachusetts could alternatively be composted. An ideal place for your compost bin is in a shady location, near a garden hose as dry material added to your compost will need to be kept somewhat moist. “Brown” carbon-rich materials such as leaves, straw, used paper towels, napkins, ripped up egg cartons, paper bags, or newspaper, and “green”
nitrogen-rich materials such as food waste and grass clippings can be added to your bin. Make sure large chunks of fruit or vegetable scraps are cut into smaller pieces to break down faster. In your kitchen, use a small pail or bowl with a lid 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,
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.
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. Over 50 western Massachusetts municipalities sell wildlife-resistant compost bins at cost or below, 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. 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.
Reasons Why You Should Compost It’s the law
Have you ever thought about why composting is important, or how it fits into your life? We produce organic waste at home, but also at work and at school. Here are some great reasons to compost your organic waste in any of these settings!
clippings can help you save money on disposal costs (especially if you pay for trash pickup), and also reduce your costs for garbage/yard waste bags.
HOME
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts, a program funded by the Department of Environmental Protection, helps businesses and institutions maximize recycling, reuse, and composting opportunities. Your business could Composting can reduce receive no-cost technical operating costs assistance, staff training, and signage to help increase Since most businesses pay for waste disposal, diverting your organic waste diversion. RecyclingWorks MA organic waste instead of also offers no-cost technical throwing it away can make assistance to businesses that trash pickups less frequent, accept or would like to begin which reduces disposal costs.
Reduce greenhouse gas
Composting keeps organic materials out of the landfill. When organic matter decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is 21 times better at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
Save some money
Composting your food scraps, leaves, and grass
Help your garden grow
Finished compost is a nutrient-rich soil amendment, which means it can help reduce the amount of fertilizer you need to buy, and it can help you grow stronger, healthier plants!
WORK
Massachusetts businesses that produce more than one ton of organic waste per week are legally required to divert it from landfills. One of the acceptable methods of diversion is compost!
You can get help
accepting organic waste for composting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, RecyclingWorks is offering many opportunities for remote technical assistance via virtual video platforms. For assistance, contact RecyclingWorks at 888-2545525 or visit www.recyclingworksma.com.
Hands-on education
SCHOOL
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!
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.
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
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S13
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
What
grams. To get confidential documents shredded and recycled, bring them to area businesses CONTINUED FROM PAGE S11 (e.g. copy shops, office supply, scrap yard nearest you and its and shipping stores) for secure shredding. In addition, Valley requirements. Suitable scrap Green Shredding in Westitems should be mostly metal field offers drop-off services by weight; if possible, plastic (valleygreenshredding.com; parts should be removed. 413-461-3333). Local banks often sponsor free spring and SHOES fall shredding events. The maClean, gently used shoes are usually accepted for reuse and terial that is shredded in these programs is delivered directly resale by organizations that to paper mills, which avoids the collect clothing donations. Several organizations, such as scattering and contamination that ensues at a household One World Running (http:// recycling facility. Otherwise, oneworldrunning.com), specialize in shoe reuse; visit a do- dispose of shredded paper as trash. Paper shreds that are nation organization’s website to discover if they accept worn free of plastic and receipts can go in municipal compost shoes. Rerun Shoes accepts programs, where allowed. used running shoes at a Pioneer Valley drop spot, and can coordinate shoe drive fundrais- SMOKE & CARBON MONers, visit www.rerunshoes.com OXIDE DETECTORS Remove all non-alkaline or call (413) 230-3032. DSW batteries and dispose of them Warehouse shoe stores have appropriately (see ”Batteries”). Soles4souls donation boxes: Most household smoke detechttps://soles4souls.org. tors contain a small amount of a radioactive element, SHREDDED PAPER Americium-241. The quantiAs of July 1, 2020, shredded ty in each unit is considered paper is no longer accepted in western Massachusetts’ house- harmless, but its presence is worrisome enough that retailer hold/municipal recycling pro-
st
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and manufacturer take-back programs exist. Ask at your local store or google the manufacturer’s name with “smoke detector recycling” for program and shipping details. Curie Environmental Services offers a fee-based, mail-in smoke alarm recycling program, see www. curieservices.com. Some communities allow smoke detectors to be thrown away in the bulky waste container at a recycling/ transfer station. Check your town website or call your DPW for local information. Carbon monoxide detectors are not considered hazardous and can be safely disposed of in the trash after removing (and recycling) all non-alkaline batteries.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Sporting equipment exchange/ donation options are found locally via charitable organizations such as schools, Scout troops, or the Lion’s Club. Sharing via online groups (e.g. Freecycle.org or a Buy Nothing Facebook group) has become very popular.
STYROFOAM
(see “Plastics: Foam”)
At Your Service Since 1974
TELEVISIONS
(see “Electronics”)
TROPHIES
Contact your local trophy shop to see if they can reuse your old trophies. A WisconTENNIS BALLS sin-based trophy organization Check with your local animal shelter or elementary school to offers a fee based, mail-in reuse program; go to www. see if they accept tennis ball awardsmall.com and search donations (schools use them to reduce the noise and impact for “recycling.” A Massachusetts company accepts only of chairs/desks on floors). A sports medals/medallions (vismail-in recycling program is it sportsmedalrecycling.com). available at tennisballrecycling.com.
TEXTILES
(see “Clothing & Textiles”)
THERMOMETERS & THERMOSTATS
(see “Mercury & Mercury-containing Products”)
TOOTHPASTE TUBES, TOOTHBRUSHES
These items are not recyclable in household/municipal recycling, but Terracycle runs mail-in recycling programs that accepts them, along with floss containers, and some packaging (www.terracycle.com). Preserve® brand toothbrushes can be mailed for recycling (www.preserve. eco ).
TYVEK ENVELOPES
Tyvek envelopes (large, white envelopes that won’t rip: often from express shipments) are made of high-density polyethylene plastic. Do not put Tyvek material in municipal/ household recycling, or in the plastic bag recycling programs at grocery stores. Tyvek envelopes can be stuffed into a box or a Tyvek envelope and mailed to a recycler who can handle them. For quantities less than 25, mail to: CFS Recycling, 337 A Industrial Drive, Petersburg, VA 23803. For quantities larger than 25, call 1-800-44-TYVEK. SEE WHAT, PAGE S14
S14 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
What CONTINUED FROM PAGE S13
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. Many hospital radiology departments will accept them for recycling.
YARD WASTE
(Leaves, grass, brush, Christmas trees) Throwing away leaf & yard waste as trash is prohibited by State regulations. Some communities collect organic yard waste seasonally for wood chip production or composting; Check your town website or call your DPW for local information. Goat farmers often accept bare Christmas trees as food. Visit www.mass.gov/ composting-organics to learn about composting yard waste in your backyard.
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). Looking for something that is not on this list? Here are two local resources with more information: Springfield MRF: http:// springfieldmrf.org MassDEP’s RecycleSmart Recyclopedia: https://recyclesmartma.org
Global Recycling markets
the program is the Springfield and that keeps good material Materials Recycling Facility, from being sorted properly, which began as a state proimpacting the quality of our After playing an important gram to promote recycling by finished product.” role in the global recycling making it readily accessible to Cardboard and paper are market for more than two the communities of western pulped and made into new decades, China implemented Massachusetts. packaging. Water bottles go changes to its import policies Nearly 95 percent of the ma- back into water bottles or live announced in 2017 that have terial delivered by the Western a second life as textiles such as adversely affected market Massachusetts communities carpeting and clothing, yogurt conditions for recycling. are sorted and delivered cups become automotive plas“At that time, China notitic, milk jugs and detergent to secondary markets that fied the World Trade Orgabottles become plastic furniprepare those materials to nization of its intent to ban ture, lumber and construction be remanufactured into the import of 24 materials, pipe. new products. “The other 5 including mixed paper and There was a time during percent is made up primarily mixed plastics, resulting in of items that someone wished the market shift when the net 13.2 million tons of matericost of recycling was greatwe handled but don’t and are al that needed alternative er than the cost of disposal. removed through our process markets across the globe,” “While that is no longer the as a contaminant,” Lucarelle explained Chris Lucarelle, case in the Northeast, ecosaid. These items include area director for recycling nomics shouldn’t be the only operations for Houston-based things like garden hoses, consideration” when it comes Christmas lights, batteries, Waste Management. “Withto recycling, Lucarelle said, small propane tanks, food out China as an end-market, noting that in 2019 alone, “our soiled materials and textiles. global supply has exceeded “For those interested, pizza recycling activities lead to over demand.” 30 million metric tons of GHG boxes are OK without pizza By the end of 2019, commodity values were the lowest in more than a decade, “with Nearly 95 percent of the material the average commodity price for all recyclables sold from all delivered by the Western our MRFs totaling roughly 70 Massachusetts communities are sorted percent less than the average two years prior,” he added. and delivered to secondary markets “This resulted in increases to that prepare those materials to be the cost of recycling for our customers, creating financial re-manufactured into new products. hardship for many municipalities.” After a year of waiting to see (greenhouse gas) reduction.” still in them. Grease is not a if the Chinese policies would Landfill capacity is at a hold, domestic recycling mills problem,” he added. Waste Management recycles premium as more and more began to announce infrastruccome off line, and that capaccardboard, mixed paper, aluture projects to increase the minum, tin cans, glass, plastic ity needs to be replaced with amount of recycled materials bottles, jars, tubs and lids and other environmental solutions. they could handle. “As that “It is for that reason we have infrastructure grew our import cartons. One of the most recent invested over $100 million to export ration shifted; 28 perin recycling infrastructure cent of our recyclables went to changes is the growth of polypropylene or #5 plastic each of the last three years,” China in 2017, in 2020 it was demand. “People still strugLucarelle said. down to 2 percent,” he said, gle with film. Many films like Looking to the future, he and new domestic capacity newspaper (bags) and grocery said strong demand will come consumed 18 percent of that bags can go back to a grocery from manufacturers using swing. more and more post-consumer The Western Massachusetts store and be recycled in a container they have set out,” content in their products: That Regional Recycling Program Lucarelle explained. “Howev- will begin with governments, serves more than 65 commuindustries and individuals nities in the four western coun- er, film of any kind does not belong in the curbside bins at seeking products made with ties of Massachusetts: Hamden, Hampshire, Franklin and residential households. Those post-consumer content. “At WM, we are trying to Berkshire. The cornerstone of films wrap in our equipment, By CorI UrBaN
SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN
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lead by example. In 2019, we signed on to the Association of Plastics Recyclers Demand Champion Program and pledged to increase the use of All the ite post-consumer resin in prod- here are N ucts we purchase, starting be recycle with our residential carts,” he said. your curb Waste Management teams from its supply chain, opera- drop-off r tions, marketing/branding and other functions collaborated collection with Cascade Cart Solutions to Western M test the use of post-consumer resin in its residential carts and purchase the resulting carts made with 10 percent post-consumer resin. Cascade’s Ecocarts are a first in the industry. In 2021, the uniforms that Waste Management employees wear are made from the same water bottles Waste Management is recovering at its recycling facilities. To recycle the right way, Waste Management advises: Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard; keep food Below is an ex they are not ac and liquid out of your recycling; and make sure there are bear in mind t no loose plastic bags and no collected for re bagged recyclables included. and then baled Waste Management offers vendor to be tu materials. It is a number of services to help these vendors make home and businessbe clean and c es more environmentally there is NO M friendly. terial, EVEN I According to the busibe recyclable, ness’s website, by 1982 Waste cannot be coll Management had become the are sorted both world’s largest waste disposal and also by ha company, with more than $1 rials which can billion in sales. It was one of means those m the first truly integrated waste companies, not only collecting waste but responsibly managing the landfills where it goes. And it was one of the first to recognize the burgeoning recycling movement, building robust collection, materials recovery and materials marketing infrastructures to ensure that more waste finds a second life.
To learn more, go to wm.com/us/en.
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S15
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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.
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: Plastic Bags: These cannot be recycled through your recycling program because they wrap around the conveyor belt at the recycling facility, which causes the line to be shut down in order
Please keep these items out of 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. 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
to strip away all the bags. Bags CAN be recycled through your local grocery stores. Bagged Materials: These cannot be recycled both because they include plastic bags (see above) but also because 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. Items that Wrap and Tangle: Includes items such as hoses, light strings, anything which could wrap around a conveyor belt (think of materials which clog up a lawnmower, for instance). These materials are both non-recyclable and cause the line to be shut down at the recycling facility.
Syringes: These are a bio hazard and pose a danger to workers. Needles of any kind should be disposed of properly through a municipal or other safe SHARPS disposal program. Contact your local municipality for options. 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. 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.
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. COLORED 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. Clear plastic cups are acceptable. 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 collectfluorescent light bulbs. 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. 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. 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 WWW.SPRINGFIELDMRF.ORG. For a complete YES & NO list of what can be recycled, visitwww.springfieldmrf.org or call the recycling hotline for more detailed information: 888-888-0784 ext. 52293 or 413-784-1100, ext. 52293.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
S16 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Food to fuel
Vanguard Renewables helps turn food waste into energy By CorI UrBaN
destination for inedible food and beverage waste. “Anaerobic digestion is a It began with a brainworm… …a thought that got stuck in reliable, cost-effective soluJohn B. Hanselman’s mind. tion that operates 24/7/365 which is important to food After seeing anerobic digesters in Germany in 2013 waste generators,” Hanselturning agricultural and food man said, noting that states waste into renewable natural like Massachusetts enacted gas and used as electricity to organics-to-landfill bans that mandate that food waste proreplace fossil gas, that type of work became a “brainducers recycle their organic worm,” and he kept thinking waste and no longer send that about the enormous quantity waste to landfills or incineration. of food waste there is in the Vermont, New York, ConUnited States. “I’d look at necticut and other states have a half-eaten piece of pizza followed Massachusetts’ lead and think, ‘I could turn that and ban organics disposal at into energy,” he said. “I got landfills. fixated on it.” Composting is another He had a bachelor’s degree in economics and anthropol- option for food waste, but it is ogy, and he worked in structural finance but realized working on environmental issue was the “single most important thing he could do” to make the environment better for his children. His work shifted to projects to clean up landfills and install solar farms on them. But after that eye-opening trip to Germany, he cofounded Vanguard Renewables in 2014, building the digesters on farms, not industrial parks or at waste water treatment plants. Now chairman and CEO of the company, Hanselman says the food waste challenge is “epic” in potential, scale, impact and existing technology. “We could take 25 percent of the fossil not an option for liquid waste, fuel and replace it with food only solids. waste-derived natural gas, a “Also, farms needed a macarbon-negative fuel.” nure management solution Anaerobic digestion has that would reduce on-farm been used in Europe for greenhouse gas emissions by more than 35 years. In the sequestering the methane in United States, the crisis of manure,” he explained: The food waste volumes rising Farm Powered anaerobic and landfills rapidly closing created a need to have a new digester solves both of these SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN
Where some see a problem, our organics-torenewable energy team sees an opportunity. We work with farms and businesses to transform what was considered waste to create value for people and the planet.
challenges: provides a destination for unusable food and beverage waste and recycles all of a farm’s manure. “Better yet, farmers get a lease payment for hosting an anaerobic digester on their farm to help sustain them for future generations, low-carbon, high value liquid fertilizer to enhance soil health and crop nutrition and yields, bedding material for the animals and heat for the farm,” he said. “The program results in fairly dramatic reductions in farm costs for bedding, chemical fertilizers and heat.” Barstow’s Longview Farm in Hadley is home to one of Vanguard Renewables anaerobic digesters. “In the early 2000s, the milk market was crashing. Dairy farmers all over New England were thinking of ways to diversify their business so we could save the family farm,” said Denise E. Barstow, marketing and education manager. The farm opened Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery, but owners also wanted to introduce a revenue stream that didn’t rely on the public but still fit with community needs and the family’s values. “The anaerobic digester is an additional revenue stream in the continuously fluctuating dairy market, but it’s so much more than that,” Barstow said. “We are generating enough green electricity
Images from inside Vanguard Renewables Organics Recycling Facility on Main Street in Agawam Massachusetts. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
to power 1,600 homes; the fertilizer from the system has enhanced our soil health, crop yields and animal nutrition for better milk; we’ve reduced our reliance on fossil fuels by heating our homes with the excess heat produced by the digester; and we’re diverting
tons upon tons of food waste from landfills.” It’s a win-win-win endeavor, Hanselman said. “Where some see a problem, our organics-to- renewable energy team sees an opportunity. We work with farms and businesses to transform
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
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what was considered waste to create value for people and the planet.” Vanguard Renewables was founded by Hanselman and Kevin Chase with three primary goals: 1. Produce renewable energy from organic waste to power homes, businesses and communities 2.Sustain farms for future generations by reducing on-farm methane emissions and providing a diversified income stream and beneficial byproducts 3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food waste by diverting tons of food waste from landfills in compliance with state organics to landfills bans. The company is now one of the largest organics recyclers in America – currently recycling more than 500,000 tons of organic waste each year and expanding across the United States. The six operating Farm Powered anaerobic digesters on dairy farms throughout New England are the foundation for Vanguard’s nationwide rollout of two
anaerobic digester platforms: food waste and farm manure to renewable energy and dairy manure-only to renewable natural gas. A new facility in Agawam uses the latest technology available to depackage and pre-process food and beverage waste before sending it to one of the Farm Powered anaerobic digesters. Expired goods, off-spec batches and inedible packaged organics can all be accepted for processing. The food waste comes from food manufacturers and food retailers, institutions like hospitals and colleges and post-consumer waste from restaurants, households and smaller schools. “Vanguard Renewables is doing something so important in the world, tackling climate change issues on a large scale. I love the fact that anaerobic digestion involves a community effort in order to be successful,” commented Ryan C. Harb, senior organics manager. The business is privately funded by mission-driven in-
vestors committed to climate change mitigation, food waste reduction and repurposing and regenerative agriculture. It is not government funded, and currently there are no incentives for anaerobic digester development in Massachusetts or the United States. “Dairy farms in our community are not only creating nutritious, local food, but
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S17
we’re also protecting open space, preserving our New England heritage, and in some cases, keeping the lights on in your house. Cow power!” Barstow enthused. Vanguard Renewables is actively rolling its program out throughout the country, and Hanselman would like more people to become aware of recycling food waste and the fact it can work. “Twenty
One provider for all your recycling and waste needs. Keeping your space clean is a priority. We can help with simple, reliable services that benefit you and our planet. National support with local service from: Republic Services® 845 Burnett Rd Chicopee, MA Get started by calling 413.557.6700 or visiting RepublicServices.com ©2019 Republic Services, Inc.
years from now, we are going to look back and say, ‘Remember when we didn’t recycle food waste?’ I know … the mass adoption of this is probably 10-15 years away, but it is going to happen.” For more information, go to vanguardrenewables.com.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
S18 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
Is it recyclable? By CorI UrBaN
SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN
we could only order take out here in Massachusetts. Many people are still opting to order out because they aren’t comfortable sitting in a restaurant,” she said. So, she encourages making eco-friendly choices with packaging: Aluminum foil and trays that are free of food residue can be recycled. Clear and white plastic clam shell-style containers can be recycled if they are empty and free of food. Clear plastic cups without the lids can be placed in the recycling bin. Paper bags and cardboard boxes can be recycled. Pizza boxes with grease (no food or wax paper) can be placed in the recycling bin. “Restaurants and other businesses have the ability to impact what their customers do with their take-out packaging,” Massaro said. For example, businesses can choose to use all recyclable packaging instead of Styrofoam, which should be placed in the trash. “It is also important to note that businesses can commu-
Many people have been getting take-out meals — or having meals delivered — more often than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic. If that includes you, are take-out containers piling up in your kitchen? Have you been throwing away those plastic forks? If you’re not sure what to do with them, check Recycle Smart’s Recyclopedia (information at recyclesmart.com/ get-app). It is a searchable database for items that can/ cannot be placed in recycling bins in Massachusetts. It’s a tool used by Abbey R. Massaro, an environmental specialist for Center for EcoTechnology, an environated at home instead of at mental non-profit located in work. As COVID-19 restricFlorence that helps people tions lighten, she said there and businesses reduce their might be fewer take-out conwaste and conserve energy. tainers generated at home. She has been getting take “As businesses open back out during the last year, up, they will have to re-evalespecially during the time uate their recycling and when restaurants were only waste diversion programs serving take out. “Takeand plan for more material out ordering has allowed being disposed of customers to still onsite,” she said. “We enjoy their favorite think this will eateries from home,” As businesses open back be a great opportushe said. “It has also nity to rethink how been a way for restau- up, they will have to rea business handles rants to keep serving evaluate their recycling their waste customers safely and overall.” and waste diversion stay in business. Plus, Massaro thinks no pots and pans to programs and plan for people and businessscrub” at home. es are getting more more material being When she eats incurious about what is side a restaurant and disposed of onsite. recyclable. “We still has leftovers from her have ‘wishcyclers,’ meal, she likes to use people who place an her own glass to-go contain- nicate what the customer item in a recycling bin withshould do with their packager to bring the food home. out knowing for sure that it ing at home. Many of us in And, when placing a to-go Western Massachusetts have can be recycled,” she said. order on an online order form or app or by telephone access to curbside recycling This causes contamination where recyclable packaging of the recycling stream. she specifies to not include “A big part of this problem condiments, napkins, silver- can be placed.” is that people don’t know When offices and nonesware or other ancillary items where to go for answers — sential businesses closed at if she is eating at that is why Recycle Smart the beginning of the panhome where she has these has been such a big help to demic, she saw a huge shift items. us all in Massachusetts,” she “For three or four months, of recyclables being gener-
said. “If you are unsure if something is recyclable, look it up on the Recyclopedia. When in doubt, throw it out and don’t contaminate the
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recycling bin.” For more information, go to wastedfood.cetonline.org or recyclingworksma.com
DON’T BAG
Recyclables
NO PLASTIC BAGS IN RECYCLING Thank you for recycling.
This sign funded by MassDEP
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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021 | S19
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
Protect your home and western Massachusetts by properly disposing of old household chemicals and mercury containing items. Residential HHW collection programs will accept a wide range of unwanted household products with Labels that indicate that special handling is required. Never put these products in trash or recycling bins. Contact your town or city DPW or Health Department for disposal options. Empty hazardous waste containers should be put in the trash, not recycling.
COMMON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE Look for products labeled: CAUSTIC, TOXIC, CORROSIVE, POISON, FLAMMABLE, WARNING, DANGER, CAUTION
FROM YOUR YARD Pesticides Insect sprays Fungicides Flea powder Herbicides Root killers Rodent killers Muriatic acid No-Pest strips Pool chemicals Lighter fluid
FROM YOUR GARAGE Used motor oil Engine degreaser Gas treatments Gasoline Kerosene Solvents Automobile batteries Brake fluid Carburetor cleaner Creosote sealer Asphalt sealer Refrigerants Antifreeze Transmission fluid Radiator flush
FROM YOUR WORKSHOP Aerosol cans Roofing tar Solvents Varnish Sealants Wood strippers Rust inhibitors Paint thinners Degreasers Wood preservatives Wood strippers Stains Lead & oil–based paints (No latex paint) Photo chemicals
FROM YOUR HOME
Oven cleaners Furniture polish Upholstery cleaner Metal polish Mothballs Spot remover Drain cleaners Toilet cleaners Fluorescent light bulbs Mercury thermometers Mercury thermostats Chemistry kits Arts & crafts supplies Button batteries Rechargeable batteries
WHAT NOT TO BRING Fluorescent bulbs, Latex paint, empty containers from hazardous products, asbestos, gas cylinders, radioactive material, explosives (including ammunition & fireworks) * LATEX PAINT is not hazardous. Completely dry, uncovered cans of latex paint may be placed with regular trash. Below is a listing of scheduled residential HHW collection programs in Hampden County for 2021. Pre-registration is always required. Residents of the towns and cities listed below may participate in their own community’s event, usually at no cost. In some cases, arrangements can be made for non-resident and small businesses to participate for a fee. If your community is not listed, call your community representative. 2021 Dates
Municipality
Contact
Phone
April 17th, May 8th, June 5th Fall Dates TBD
Springfield
Cristina Ferrera
413-736-3111
September 11th
Agawam
Tracy DeMaio
413-821-0624
Mondays & Wednesdays 9am-4pm Saturdays 9am-1pm
East Longmeadow, Longmeadow * Check town website for details
NEDT Westfield (Fees may apply)
866-769-1621
May 1st, October 2nd
Chicopee
Barry Brouillard
413-594-3557
September 18th
West Springfield
Tim O’Grady
413-263-3234
Mondays & Wednesdays 9am-4pm Saturdays 9am-1pm
New England Disposal Technologies (open to all, small fees may apply)
NEDT Westfield
866-769-1621
Please note: this schedule is subject to change due to municipal budget constraints and uncertainties.
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S20 | FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021
THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM
Bulky Waste
Tues - Sat 7:30am - 3:15pm (Thurs: 7:30am - 5:15pm) 135 Hamilton Street Huntington Rd. Transfer Station Tues 6-8pm & Sat. 8am-12pm Emery St. Transfer Station Wed 3 pm-6 pm and Sat 9am-1pm 115 Baskin Drive Tu-F 8am-4:30pm and Sat 8 am-noon 42 Lee Road Tues, Thurs, Sat 8:30am - 4pm 30 Northampton Street 1st & 3rd Sat 8am-12pm, End of Oliver St. April-Nov 1st&3rd Sat 8am-12, Oct&May every Sat 8am-12” Knowlton Tran. Sta. Somers Rd Sat 9am-5pm all yr, Wed Seasonal 9am-5pm 15 Crescent Street Mon-Fri 7 am - 3 pm 89 Water Street Tues 1pm - 5pm, Sat 9am - 5pm 86 Cumberland Road Call DPW or visit website: www.greenfield-ma.gov for hours Mon Noon - 6pm ,Wed 1pm-6pm, Sat 7am - 4pm North Branch Road Cross Rd. Transfer Station Tues Noon - 4pm, Sat 8am - 4pm DPW Yard, 63 Canal St. Tue & Thur 7am - 2:30pm (yard waste @ 1 Berkshire St) Recycling Ctre. Pondside Rd. Wed 10-5, Sat 8-5, Sun 10-5 (Seasonal Saturdays only) DPW, 198 Sportsmens Rd. Wed -Sat 8am - 3pm Sandy Lane off Turnpike Rd. Sat 7am - noon, Wed 7am - 2:30pm Every other Tuesday 125 Locust Street Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday 7am-3:45pm First & 3rd Saturday of month (yard waste 2nd & 4th Saturday) 170 Glendale Road DPW, 15 Bridge St First Sat of month Frog Hollow Rd. Wed 10am-4pm & 6pm - 8pm and Sat 8am-4pm 10 Industrial Drive Tues - Sat. 8am-3pm, Closed 12-1 for lunch. Moose Brook Road Sat & Wed 7am - 5pm 22 Industrial Road Tues 11:30am-7:20pm Wed & Fri 8am -4:20pm, Sat 8am-3:50pm Bondi’s Island Landfill M-F, 7 am - 3:30 pm, select Sat. 100 B Grochmal Ave. Select Saturdays 162 Colebrook River Road Wed 5pm-7pm, Sat 9am-11am, Sun 3pm-5pm DPW Yd. 430 Westfield Street M-F 7:30am - noon, 12:30 - 3pm K & W Transfer Station M-F 6am - 4:30pm, Sat 7am - 1pm Twiss St Transfer Station Mon-Sat 7 am - 2:45 pm Transfer Station Wed & Fri 7am - 3pm, 2720 Boston Rd Sat 7am - 5pm, Sun noon - 5pm
Propane Tanks
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 3:30pm Tues, Thurs, Sat 8am-2pm
Tires
1000 Suffield St. 740 Belchertown Road
Hours of Operation
Fluorescent Bulbs
DPW 821-0624 Curbside DPW 821-0624 Drop-Off DPW 259-3049 Drop-Off DPW 323-0415, Station 323-0416 Drop-Off Transfer Station 848-4279 x401 Drop-Off BOH (413) 354-7781 Drop-Off DPW 594-3557 Curbside DPW 594-3557 Drop-Off FCSWMD 772-2438 Drop-Off DPW 529-1410 Drop-Off DPW 529-1410 Drop-Off BOH 525-5400 ext. 1103 Curbside DPW 525-5400 ext. 1200 Drop-Off Town Hall 467-7177 Curbside Highway Facility Drop-Off Town Hall 357-8585 Drop-Off DPW 772-1528 Curbside DPW 772-1528 Drop-Off SWS 498-0099 Drop-Off Town Hall 566-2151 x102 Drop-Off DPW 322-5645 Curbside DPW 322-5645 Drop-Off DPW 567-3400 Curbside DPW 567-3400 Drop-Off DPW 583-5625 Curbside DPW 583-5625 Drop-Off BOH (413) 267-4107 Curbside FCSWMD 772-2438 Curbside FCSWMD 772-2438 Drop-Off Town Hall 862-3386 Curbside DPW 587-1570 x4306 Drop-Off DPW 587-1570 x4306 Drop-Off Town Hall - 283-2646 Drop-Off Town Hall 862-6200 Drop-Off DPW 538-5033 Curbside DPW 538-5033 Drop-Off DPW 527-3666 / 529-2352 Drop-Off DPW 569-6772 / 569-0160 Drop-Off Cust. Service 736-3111 Curbside DPW 787-7840 Drop-Off Hazardous Waste Depot Drop-Off Town Hall 258-4794 Drop-Off Cust. Service 263-3242 Curbside Cust. Service 263-3242 Drop-Off Scale House 363-0090 Drop-Off DPW 572-6226 Curbside Health Dept. 572-6210 Drop-Off Town Hall 596-2800 x225 Drop-Off
Drop Off Location
Paint
Collection Type
Yard Waste
Agawam Amherst Belchertown Blandford Chester Chicopee Deerfield Easthampton East Longmeadow Granby Granville Greenfield Hadley Hampden Holyoke Longmeadow Ludlow Monson Montague Montgomery Northampton Palmer Russell South Hadley Southampton Southwick Springfield Tolland West Springfield Westfield Wilbraham
Contact Info.
Motor Oil
Community
Electronics
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
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