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1. Why does clean recycling matter?

Stoneham's recycling is not as clean as it should be. Plastic bags continue to be the number one problem. Plastic bags bind up machinery at the sorting facility, which decreases efficiency, increases costs, and creates a safety risk to workers.

Casella has released an educational video highlighting the problems and how everyone can do their part to keep their costs down and improve worker safety.

2. How does recycling contamination impact me?

The Town used to be paid for its recycling or at least have no cost for its processing. Now as a result of contamination and increased quality demands from third party buyers, the cost to the Town has risen to over $80 per ton to process materials. In a year's time that will cost rate payers $160,000 that can be avoided or reduced as a result of cleaner recycling.

3. What rule of thumb should I follow?

View information about the most common recycling contaminants (JPG) to help you know to keep these out or your containers.

4. Where can I find more information on what to recycle?

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Commonwealth's recycling sorters came together and developed a searchable recycling database that will standardize how we recycle.

5. Is there a simple chart I can print out as a reminder?

Stoneham mailed every postal customer multiple educational cards in 2018. If you recycled your card or are new to town you can print out a new summary card (PDF).