PLASTIC

Recyclable plastic containers have a number (1 through 7) in a triangluar recycling symbol (on the bottom of the container). Marlborough accepts all plastic containers numbered 1 through 7. Containers must be rinsed clean and lids must be removed.

Not acceptable: Containers not numbered 1-7, plastic bags, motor oil containers. No Styrofoam or flower pots (flower pots contain a non-recyclable dye).

This applies to curbside collection and drop-off recycling.

PAPER

Newspaper and inserts, magazines, catalogs and phone books, junk mail, paper bags and office paper, paperboard (cereal boxes type material) and cardboard. NOTE: Place recycled paper inside a paper bag and place beside recycle bin or, preferably, on top of the other recyclables. (By placing paper recyclables on top, its weight helps prevent wind from scattering plastic containers.) Corrugated cardboard must be cut into 2’ X 2’ squares, flattened and tied.

Paper recycleables delivered to the Resident Drop-off Facility can be placed in the receiving container loose or in bags.

YARD WASTE

Leaves and yard waste are accepted with the regular rubbish collection. This material is processed at the composting facility and the finished product will be a soil amendment. Leaves and yard waste should be placed in paper yard waste bags and put out on your regular rubbish collection day, any time of year. Shrubbery, brush and tree limbs not fitting in yard waste bags will be collected if tied in bundles of not more than 60 pounds and not more than 4 feet in length.

Not acceptable: Grass clippings are not eligible for curbside collection, however all yard waste is accepted at the City’s Residential Drop-off Facility (Window Sticker required). Yard waste must be no longer than 4 feet or larger than 4 inches in diameter.

Please note that leaves and grass clippings have a per ton cost for composting. Since fresh grass or wet leave can be heavy, the treatment cost can be substantial. The City encourages all residents to start a home compost pile to compost these materials. This not only saves the city the treatment costs but also produces a valuable soil amendment that can be used around to home for landscaping purposes. It also eliminates a trip to the Drop-off Facility for grass disposal or leaves, if not set out for curbside collection. Please contact the DPW at 508-624-6910 X 7100 if you are interested in learning more about home composting, or you can read about it at the Home Composting section on the Solid Waste & Recycling page.

PAINT

Solvent-based paint is hazardous and should be held for disposal at one of the City's Household Hazardous Waste collection days, usually held in May and October of each year.
Latex paint is not hazardous if not in a liquid form. If the container has only a small amount of paint, it can be dried out by leaving the top off and exposing it to the air. The paint will form a rubbery texture which can be thrown out in the trash. If a larger volume needs disposal, it can be dried out by adding kitty litter, sand or any type of absorbant to it. Once again, it will form a rubbery texture which can then be disposed on the trash. Do not throw out latex paint that is still liquid.