Worcester Warns Residents Not To Contaminate Recycling Bins

Worcester MA

25 August, 2022

9:07 AM

Description

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester this fall will start cracking down on residents who contaminate recycling bins with unacceptable materials. Starting Oct. 1, the city's waste collector, Casella, won't empty recycling bins that contain improper items. One item in particular has been clogging up the city's recycling efforts: plastic bags. The bags aren't recyclable and can jam machines used to sort recyclables. "The most important thing for residents to understand is that plastic bags cannot be recycled," Department of Public Works and Parks Commissioner Jay Fink said in a bulletin this week. "Do not put recycling items in a plastic bag. Just put all the eligible items right into the green bin and Casella will take care of the rest." The city also reminded residents that each city recycling bin — the new green ones with the vented tops that were distributed over the last several months — have instructions about what can and cannot be recycled. Items you SHOULD NOT put in the recycler include: PLASTIC BAGS!!!Wax-coated paperPlastic utensilsPaper towelsStyrofoam containers ClothingScrap metalElectrical wires or chainsBatteriesAerosol cansPLASTIC BAGS!!!CeramicsMedical wasteWoodYard wasteTiresIf you do need to get rid of those non-recyclable items, head to the Millbury Street residential drop-off site. Find details on fees and hours here.