City Looks to Re-Educate Residents on the Dos and Don’ts of Recycling

Keith Thibault February 20, 2024 Comments Off on City Looks to Re-Educate Residents on the Dos and Don’ts of Recycling

The cost of trash pick-up and disposal for the City of Fall River has risen in recent years and the Department of Community Maintenence (DCM) is embarking on a campaign to boost residents’ participation in the proper protocol for recycling.

DCM Director Charles Denmead says since the end of the pay-as-you-throw purple bag program, the city has not been able to maximize efficiency in recycling.

Mr. Denmead says the city tries its best to ensure that most of the recycling material leaving Fall River is acceptable to vendors.

Recycling coordinator Joe Kennedy says there are a limited number of items the city can accept to be recycled.

Mr. Kennedy says residents have good intentions when they dispose of recyclables.

Mr Denmead says residents often deduce that all plastic containers and metals can be recycled when, in fact, they cannot…and the state is constantly changing the rules on what is allowed.

Mr. Denmead says the city is looking to extend its cardboard recycling pilot program this year to separate cardboard from the rest of the recycled items, generating much-needed revenue.

In terms of combining recycling education with enforcement, the city is looking at ways to hold homeowners accountable.

Plastic containers holding chemicals, regardless of how clean they are, are also not recyclable. Also not accepted in recycling bins is clothing. The city recommends dropping off clothing and other textiles in bins designated at the city yard. The city receives revenue from the organization that collects used clothing.

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