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Recycling Tagging Program

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Helping you Recycle Right

The Town is launching a Recycling Tagging Program to reduce contamination and ensure the materials we collect can actually be recycled.

When non-recyclable items are placed in recycling bins, entire loads can be rejected at the processing facility. This increases costs and sends recyclable material to the landfill. Our goal is simple: Recycle Right.

What Is the Recycling Tagging Program?

Collection staff will visually check recycling bins in targeted neighborhoods.

If unacceptable materials are found, staff will:

Leave an “Oops” tag explaining why the bin was not collected

Provide information about what needs to be corrected

Return within two business days to collect the bin once contamination is removed

The tag will also include a link to additional recycling information.

Why Is the Town Doing This?

To improve recycling quality

To reduce processing costs

To prevent recyclable materials from being sent to the landfill

To protect worker safety

Contaminated recycling increases costs for the Town and reduces the environmental benefits of recycling.

When Will a Bin Be Rejected?

A bin will be tagged and not collected if any of the following are present:

Safety Hazards

  • Batteries
  • Needles
  • Hazardous waste
  • Broken glass spread loosely in the bin
  • Mold, pests, or animal waste

Major Contaminants

  • Food or yard waste
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic bags or plastic film
  • Bagged recyclables
  • Clothing or textiles
  • Scrap metal or construction debris
  • Hoses

Excessive Contamination

  • If 20% or more of the bin (by visual estimate) contains non-recyclable material

If contamination is less than 20%, the bin may still receive a tag as an educational reminder but will be collected during this phase of the program.

What If My Bin Is Tagged?

Step 1

Remove the contamination listed on the tag.

Step 2

Leave your bin out.

Step 3

Collection crews will return within two business days to collect it. Recycling toters must be placed at the curb by 6am on the day of collection.

If you have extra recycling after correcting the issue, you may:

  • Place it in a cardboard box
  • Set the box next to your recycling bin
  • Ensure all materials inside are recyclable

What Is Allowed in the Bin?

Plastics such as plastic bottles.

Metals such as metal food and beverage cans.

Papers such as newspapers, cardboard boxes and paper brown bags.

Do not place materials inside plastic bags. Only clean items accepted.

Recycle Coach

Download the Recycle Coach app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Learn more about Recycle Coach which includes:

  • A “What Goes Where” search tool
  • Collection reminders
  • Recycling tips specific to your address

Using the app is the easiest way to make sure your recycling is accepted.

We understand that changes can take some adjustment. This program is about education first and long-term improvement. By working together, we can:

  • Reduce contamination
  • Control program costs
  • Extend landfill life
  • Improve environmental outcomes

Thank you for doing your part to keep our recycling stream clean and effective.