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A reader recently asked Winchester News what can be recycled in the community. In Arlington, where trash is picked up weekly, black plastic isn’t allowed in the recycle bins, but in Winchester it’s a different story.
“Black plastic makes up a fairly small percentage of the recyclable material we take in and we have not exceeded the 8% acceptable limits of non-recyclable material,” said Transfer Station Manager Nick Parlee. “We haven’t exceeded that acceptable limit in my five years in Winchester.”
He recommends residents look at the state Recycle Smart MA website, which not only lists what can be recycled (although it says “no black plastic”) but also shows where Winchester recyclables go.
Most residents know that it’s easy to recycle metal and plastic containers, but it’s important to make sure they’re clean. Pizza boxes can be recycled even if they’re greasy, as long as they don’t have food attached.
Folks sometimes wonder about cords and cables, but anything that could tangle isn’t allowed. Fabrics aren’t allowed either — a state law requires they be disposed of elsewhere and Parlee said the Red Cross boxes at the transfer station entrance is a good place for them.
The Red Cross, he added, sells fabric to be made into insulation if it’s not usable.
Other items that cannot be recycled include tissue paper used in gift bags, and cards with glitter.
A fun activity for all ages is Recycle Smart’s quiz.
Parlee also said the town plans “to address the issue of recyclables do’s and don’ts with a direct mailer to all residents who purchased a permit this year.”
Here’s more information about the transfer station, a film your writer co-produced, This is Winchester: The Transfer Station is not a Dump.
Have you got a question you would like Winchester News to answer? Email us at editor@winchesternews.org.
