Chloe Zhang
Brookline, MA, has a mandatory recycling program, with carts and collection services included in the annual refuse fee. The town's recycling program accepts plastic containers numbered 1-7 for recycling, but plastic bags, wraps, and polystyrene foam are not accepted. Residents can recycle electronic waste, including smartphones, computers, and batteries, through certified e-waste recyclers that follow environmentally sound practices. The town also offers a household hazardous waste facility for residents with proof of residency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic containers | 1-7 |
| Plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic film | Not accepted |
| Plastic wraps | Not accepted |
| Plastic packing materials | Not accepted |
| Plastic sleeves | Accepted at supermarkets |
| Plastic bags with glue, paper labels or paint | Not accepted |
| Compostable plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Dirty and wet plastic bags | Not accepted |
| Black pigmented bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic handles on shopping bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic strings on shopping bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic bags with food wrap or cling wrap | Not accepted |
| Frozen food bags | Not accepted |
| Pre-washed salad bags | Not accepted |
| Plastic bags with no number inside chasing arrows | Not accepted |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and wraps
So, what should you do with plastic bags and wraps? Firstly, it is recommended to avoid using these items altogether. If you do have plastic bags or wraps, it is best to avoid placing them in your recycling bin. Instead, you can recycle plastic bags and wraps at most supermarkets and many other retailers at no cost. The Wrap Recycling Action Council provides information on nearby drop-off locations. Many shipping companies, such as FedEx and UPS, also accept loose fill foam "packing peanuts" for reuse.
It is important to note that certain types of plastic bags and wraps are not accepted by supermarkets or retailers for recycling. These include food wrap or cling wrap, frozen food bags, pre-washed salad bags, bags with glue, paper labels, or paint, compostable plastic bags, and dirty or wet bags. These items should be disposed of in the trash if no other reuse or recycling option is available.
In addition to plastic bag and wrap recycling, Brookline offers a range of other recycling services. The town has a mandatory recycling program with carts and collection services included in the annual refuse fee. Residents can recycle a variety of materials, including glass, paper, cardboard, and electronic waste. For electronic waste, Brookline offers certified e-waste recyclers that follow environmentally sound practices, ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials and the recovery of valuable components.
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Plastic containers
Brookline's recycling program accepts a wide range of plastic containers. The town's material recovery facility is set up to take plastic containers numbered 1 through 7. These numbers, known as resin codes, are enclosed by chasing arrows and indicate the type of resin or plastic used in the product. It is important to check for this code, as plastic containers without a number should not be placed in the recycling cart.
While plastic bags and films are not accepted in the recycling carts, they can be recycled at many major grocery store chains and supermarkets. This includes grocery and retail bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, and wraps from bread, bathroom tissue, paper towels, beverage cases, diapers, and baby wipes.
Additionally, Brookline offers resources to help residents properly recycle their waste. The "We Recycle Brookline" mobile app provides information on collection days and waste disposal guidelines. The town's website also offers tools and links to resources like MassDEP's Recyclopedia and the Beyond the Bin tool, which help residents determine how to recycle specific items.
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Food packaging
Plastic food packaging can be recycled in Brookline, but it must be clean and dry. Plastic food storage and freezer bags can be recycled at major grocery stores, but the sealing mechanism or zipper must be removed first. Plastic film wrappers from items such as paper towels, toilet paper, bread, and beverage cases can also be recycled at some supermarkets.
It is important to note that plastic bags, wraps, and packing materials such as polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) should not be placed in your recycling bin. These materials can cause tangles in the recycling plant's processing equipment, leading to damage and safety hazards. Instead, take them to a local supermarket that accepts them for recycling.
When it comes to plastic containers, Brookline's material recovery facility accepts those numbered 1-7. However, it's important to remember that the number inside the chasing arrows on plastic items indicates the type of resin used and is not necessarily a recycling symbol.
For specific guidelines on what types of plastic food packaging can be recycled in Brookline, you can refer to the official website, which provides detailed information on acceptable items for recycling. Additionally, the "We Recycle Brookline" mobile app can be a helpful resource for determining how and where to recycle various materials.
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Electronic waste
Brookline, MA, accepts plastic containers numbered 1-7 for recycling. Plastic bags, wraps, and packing materials such as polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) should not be placed in recycling bins. These materials can get tangled in processing equipment, causing damage and worker injuries. Most supermarkets and other retailers accept these items for recycling at no cost. If no locations near you accept these items for recycling, they should be disposed of in the trash.
Now, for electronic waste, Brookline offers a range of options for proper disposal and recycling. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Curbside Collection: Brookline provides curbside pickup of electronic waste for residents subscribed to the Town's waste collection service. You can schedule a collection online through the \"We Recycle Brookline\" mobile app or the Town's website. Fees may apply for bulky item collection.
- Drop-Off Locations: The MassDEP Beyond the Bin Recycling Directory provides information on nearby drop-off locations for various items, including electronic waste. You can search for specific locations and items on their website.
- Hazardous Household Waste Collection: Some electronic waste items may be considered hazardous. These items should be stored safely until your community schedules a hazardous household waste collection or taken to a local, regional, or commercial collection facility.
- Retailer Take-Back Programs: Many manufacturers and retailers offer take-back programs for electronic waste. Contact the manufacturer or retailer to inquire about their specific programs and requirements.
- Donation and Recycling Programs: If your electronic items are still functional, consider donating them. Organizations such as charities and non-profits often accept working electronics. Additionally, the "We Recycle Brookline" mobile app and the Beyond the Bin tool can help you find locations to donate or recycle electronic items.
- Local Regulations: Stay informed about Brookline's waste storage best practices and recycling guidelines. The Department of Public Works (DPW) in Brookline is responsible for the management of solid waste and recycling. They can provide specific instructions and guidelines for electronic waste disposal.
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Hazardous waste
Brookline, Massachusetts, offers multiple alternative options to ensure hazardous waste is disposed of safely and properly. The town's waste collection service does not handle household hazardous waste. The primary opportunity for hazardous waste disposal is the Department of Public Works' (DPW) Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Facility. This facility is located in the Brookline Transfer Station at 815 Newton Street and operates from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesdays from May through October.
The DPW's Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Program is complimentary and provides residents with a chance to protect the environment and responsibly dispose of household hazardous materials at no cost. To participate in the program, residents must provide a valid form of identification and proof of residency in Brookline, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID.
The hazardous waste should be transported in the car trunk and packed securely to avoid any spills. Additionally, hazardous waste must be in its original containers with intact labels, as this information is critical for safe disposal. It is important to note that hazardous waste in non-original containers or without labels will not be accepted.
The Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Facility accepts various materials, including lightbulbs, batteries, oil-based paint, mercury-containing products, fuels, and garden fertilizers. However, it is essential to check the accepted materials list, as some items like latex/water-based paint, asbestos, infectious/biological wastes, prescription medicines, and commercial hazardous waste are not permitted.
For loads larger than trunk-size, residents can make an appointment by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, tires, electronics, and small appliances are the only bulk items accepted at the hazardous waste facility. For other bulk items, such as furniture, mattresses, or large appliances, residents can schedule a curbside pickup by calling 617-730-2156.
The DPW Office in Town Hall also accepts batteries and lightbulbs for recycling during specific hours, and the Brookline Senior Center has a hazardous waste collection bin for lightbulbs.
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Frequently asked questions
Brookline's material recovery facility is set up to take plastic containers numbered 1-7. Plastic bags, wraps, and packing materials such as polystyrene foam (Styrofoam™) should not be placed in your bin.
Most supermarkets and numerous other retailers accept plastic bags and wraps for recycling at no cost.
Utilize the DPW's free Recycling Dumpster in the Centre Street West Parking Lot.
No, a "my-dog-licked-out-all-the-peanut-butter" level of cleanliness is okay. Rinsed or spot-cleaned items are usually good enough.
You can use the search tool on Brookline's official website, visit MassDEP's Recyclopedia, or download the "We Recycle Brookline" mobile app.
