Bag your trash, not your recyclables

The Public Works Department is reminding residents to bag their trash, but not their recyclables. Officials say all trash should be bagged before being placed in the rollout cart to prevent flyaway litter as the trash cart is emptied into the trash truck.

On the other hand, recyclables should not be bagged or bundled before being placed in the recycling cart. Recyclables should be dropped loosely into the cart which helps when the items are being sorted at the recycling facility.

Finally, officials encourage residents to reference the “Waste Wizard” whenever they are uncertain as to whether an item is recyclable. Available on the Town website and as a function of the Town app, the Waste Wizard allows users to type in key words related to disposable household materials and receive valuable disposal tips. From aluminum cans and phone books to popcorn bags and plastic beverage bottles, the search tool helps residents determine which items can be recycled and which ones should be thrown away.

Waste Wizard also allows users to sign up for personalized trash and recycling collection reminders, download collection schedules and access online service request forms for bulk waste pickup, brush pickup and missed collections. For more information, email Sustainability Coordinator Jeanette Johnson at [email protected].