Why Do We Recycle?

We encourage recycling for many reasons...

Landfill closings

Our society has become an ever-increasing throw away society. As a result of this, landfills are filling up and closing on a daily basis. In Massachusetts, there are only 7 operating landfills. This number is only a fraction of what the previous level had been. Since landfills are not as readily available, many communities have turned to incineration. This is a problem because of air emission issues and increasing government regulations. As a result this is becoming less of an option. By recycling, we can eliminate a large portion of the waste stream.

Preservation of natural resources

By recycling, we are able to reduce demand on our natural resources. Our natural resources are a limited supply and, should the use of our resources continue at the present rate, its possible that we could see restrictions on their use in our lifetime. Proper recycling can extend the use of these resources.

State waste bans

The State of Massachusetts DEP has instituted a solid waste ban for certain materials. By doing so, they have banned the items listed below from being in the waste stream. Under state law, should disposal facilities identify higher than nominal concentrations of the banned material, they are required to report it to the city and copy the DEP. This could result in DEP waste load inspections and possibly the rejection of solid waste loads. Once again, this will equate to increased disposal costs to the city and ultimately the taxpayers.

Banned items

Newspapers, Junk Mail, Office Paper, Metal Food Containers, Yard Waste, White Goods (washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.), Plastic Food Containers  (1-7), CRT's, Used Engine Oil, Building Construction Materials, Glass Containers, Tires, and Fluorescent Light Bulbs.

Remember, in order to further preserve our natural resources, we must promote the purchase of products made from recycled material. We can recycle everything but, if people do not develop a market for products made from these materials, they will just stockpile, will have no market for them and ultimately, there will be higher disposal costs for the recyclable materials. So remember to Close The Loop and purchase products made from recycled materials. In most cases they are indistinguishable from products made from virgin material.