Q&A on Recycling Program

This Q&A was submitted by Martha Dansdill of the .

Q: Why is Swampscott adopting a Waste Reduction Program (WRP)? The Waste Reduction Program will maximize recycling which, in turn, reduces trash amounts and related trash disposal costs to the Town. This makes good fiscal sense. By adopting a WRP, Swampscott is poised to save $80K to $100K annually.

Q:  When will this happen? What is different? Beginning October 3, 2011, each individual household will be allowed up to three bags or barrels of trash per week. All trash must be placed in either a 35-gallon barrel or less or a 30-gallon trash bag or less for pick up. On July 1, 2012, there will be a two bag or barrel limit.

Barrels larger than 35 gallons can be used to hold bagged trash – but only 3 bags or barrels (described above) in total will be picked up. Loose trash can go into barrels less than 35 gallons. No container and its contents may exceed 50 pounds.

Q: What if I have more trash than the allowance? By increasing household recycling, the trash limits described are expected to be adequate over 95% of the time!

If your household generates trash above the allowance, a trash over throw sticker is required for each extra bag of trash. Stickers are $2 and available at Town Hall or through the mail. (Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and check made out to Town of Swampscott to: Swampscott Health Department, 22 Monument Ave., Swampscott, MA 01907.)

Q: Have other cities and towns adopted similar programs? Over 135 municipalities across Massachusetts have adopted waste reduction programs, including communities as diverse as Gloucester, Brockton, Ipswich, Malden, Hamilton and Salem. The reason? It’s good for the environment; it’s equitable to users; and it reduces trash disposal costs allowing the town to redirect those funds to other municipal services.

Q: What if I have a large bulky item? One bulky item is allowed per week, such as a desk, sofa, bundle of scrap wood (cut into 3’ lengths), or four rolls of wall-to-wall carpet that have been cut into 3 foot lengths, rolled and tied.

Q: Some of my trash was not picked up and I received a rejection sticker.  What happened? Either the trash was not in the proper container or you were above the allowance. During the first week of October only, arrangements can be made through the Swampscott Health Department to have the trash truck return and pick up rejected trash, provided it is bagged and has an overthrow sticker.

Q: How will the Town deal with illegal dumping? The Town will monitor areas that have had issues in the past and fines will apply to anyone caught dumping illegally. Residents are encouraged to report offenders.

Q: How can residents make this program most successful?  1) Step up recyclingefforts, 2) Donate useful items instead of throwing them out, 3) Look for other ways to reduce weekly waste.

Q: Where can I find more information? Who can I contact if I have any questions? Go to the Swampscott Health Department webpage or contact the Board of Health at 781-596-8864.