1. When will my curb-side recyclables be collected?
Recyclables will be collected every other week on your regular trash collection day. Homeowners received a calendar with their bin, identifying the collection schedule and holidays. Additional calendars are available at the Department of Public Works. Click on Recycling Calendar, above, to display the calendar to identify which week your recycling collection will take place.
2. What is the holiday collection schedule?
Whenever the scheduled collection day falls on a holiday, that day’s collection and all the remaining collections for the remainder of the week will be delayed one day. Friday’s collection will be on Saturday.
3. What if my rubbish and recyclables are not picked up?
The materials may not have been picked up for a variety of reasons. It may be because the materials were not prepared properly, or materials were placed at the curb after the truck has already passed through your neighborhood. Rubbish and recycleables must be placed out at the curb before 7:30 AM. Recycleables may not be picked up because it may be a material not currently collected at curbside (such as broken glass or car batteries). The most common error for cardboard not being picked up is that it has not been flattened and tied, or is larger than 2’ x 2’ in size. There should be a green sticker attached to the bin identifying the reason for non-collection if regulations were not conformed with. If you need further information call the Marlborough DPW at 624-6910 X 7100.
4. What if I move?
The bins belong to the City of Marlborough. If a homeowner moves, please leave it in the vacated house for the next resident.
5. Why can I recycle only these items?
Our recycling program, only, collects items which are easy to collect and for which there is a market. For example, there is little market for plastic grocery bags, however, these are recyclable at grocery stores. As conditions change, residents will be notified of additions to the program.
6. Where do my recyclables go?
Recyclable materials are taken to a materials recovery facility, where they are processed and sold to manufacturers that use them for products ranging from new packaging to rugs and clothing.
7. Where can I buy the paper yard waste bags?
The city no longer sells yard waste bags. Bags are available at local stores.
Remember, you haven’t recycled until you buy products made from materials you recycle.
8. Where can I dispose hypodermic needles?
Hypodermic needles can be disposed of at Bouvier Pharmacy. Contact the Pharmacy for proper container at 508-485-0432.
9. How do I dispose latex paint?
Latex paint can be disposed by adding and absorbane, such as kitty-litter or spedi-dry to dry up the material. When it is no longer liquid, the paint can be thrown out in the regular rubbish.
10. How much rubbish am I allowed to place out for curbside collection?
A reasonable amount of rubbish is allowed for collection. A reasonable amount is defined as that which a typical single family home would produce. Generally speaking, a single family home could produce as many as 5 to 6 bags per week.
11. Can I place rubbish out in cardboard boxes?
No, the regulations require rubbish to be in bags. Cardboard boxes are not allowed because they become unstable during we weather.
12. What happens to my rubbish and recyclables if we have a snow storm?
If the storm isn't too severe, your rubbish will be collected as it usually would. Some delays may occur with the collection and as a result may be late in being picked up. Under some circumstances, rubbish and recycling collection may be delayed to the next day. Under severe storm conditions, rubbish and recycle may be postponed to the next day. Should this occur, a notice will be placed on the City of Marlborough home webpage.
13. How do I prevent animals from getting into my rubbish bags?
The city does allow rubbish to be placed in 30 gallon barrels to prevent animnals from tearing the bags open. I "must" be noted tha tthe rubbish has to be in rubbish bags in order to be collected. Rubbish placed loose in barrels will not be collected. This is because of the extra tonnage generatyed when it rains. We would be paying for the disposal of water.
14. What time must my rubbish and recyclable be placed out?
Your rubbish and recyclables must be placed at the curb no later than 7:30 AM on your day of collection. On occasion, the collection truck may need to vary its collection route. If the rubbish isn't out by that time, it may be missed. Note: Do not place your rubbish out a tthe curb the night before collection because this encourages animals to scavenge food and thereby scatter the rubbish around. According to City regulations, rubbish must be secured for collection and not subject to scattering by wind or animals.
15. How can I dispose leaves from my yard?
Leaves can be disposed by either placing them in paper yard waste bags and placing them out with your regular rubbish for curbside collection. If you do not have curbside rubbish collection or do not want to dispose the leaves in this manner, you can also purchase a Resdient Drop-off Facility Window Sticker and dispose them at the WeCare Environmental Resident Drop-off Facility, located at 856 Boston Post Road E. Stickers cost $50 for Marlborough residents under 62 years of age, $15 if between 62 and 65 and free if over 65 years of charge.
16. Fluorescent lightbulbs contain mercury, which is dangerous. How should I dispose of them?
Fluorescent Bulbs: “Unbroken” fluorescent bulbs will be accepted at the Drop-off Facility. The unbroken bulb must be shown to the security guard. He will give the necessary directions for disposal. Note: Broken bulbs release mercury and therefore cannot be accepted at the facility.”
17. How do I dispose used engine oil?
Engine oil may be disposed at the Resident Drop-off Facility. Either a "Free" recycling sticker or a regular "Drop-off Facility" sticker is required. Note: The oil will be tested for contaminants prior to acceptance so it "Must" be only used engine oil. Contaminated oils will be rejected from acceptance. A limit of two gallons per visit is allowed.
NOTE: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has banned certain items from the waste stream. These items, identified below, are allowed in the recycling program, or at the Residential Drop-off facility. Although the Marlborough recycling program is voluntary, this waste ban, essentially, makes recycling mandatory.
DEP BANNED ITEMS FROM WASTE STREAM
Glass containers
Plastic containers (number 1-7 on the bottom)
Tires
Metal food containers
Used Engine oil
Fluorescent light bulbs
Yard Waste (Although banned from most waste streams, Marlborough’s waste disposal program composts these materials, and as such, is being recycled). Note: Grass is not eligible for curb-side pickup due to its weight. Grass can be disposed at the Resident Drop-off Facility, located at 856 Boston Post Rd. E, as long as the vehicle has a window sticker. Grass cannot be disposed with a "Free" recyclling sticker.
White Goods (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.)
Propane tanks.
Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT’s) (Computer monitors, TV’s, Oscilloscopes)
For answers to your questions call the Marlborough Department of Public Works at 624-6910 X 7100.
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