SINGLE-STREAM AUTOMATED RECYCLING    

We are very pleased to announce the arrival of automated single stream recycling collection to Newington. This new curbside program is scheduled to begin the week of MONDAY JULY 12, 2010.

We anticipate the larger collection containers, in combination with the convenience associated with the non-sorting option of the single stream process, will make recycling easier for residents of Town. The State of Connecticut mandates recycling. The benefits to taxpayers will be reflected in the lower cost of trash disposal fees. There are currently no costs associated with the disposal of recyclable materials. 

We are asking for your cooperation and support in these goals and are available to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have about the new program.

 FAQ'S

Q:  What are the changes in recycling collection?

A:  1-Your blue 14 gallon bin currently in use will be replaced with a new automated wheeled

        recycling container.

    2- Your new recycling container will now be collected every other week instead of

        every week, although your collection day will remain the same.

    3- Recyclables will now be collected single stream, meaning it will no longer

        be necessary to separate recyclables, simply place  all clean or rinsed

        recyclables in your new container.

    4- Recycling collection will now be done with automated collection trucks

        (similar to trash collection).

    5- Plastic food and beverage containers labeled #3 thru #7 under three gallons have been

        added to the list of acceptable recyclables.

    6- This new collection process will begin the week of Monday July 12, 2010.

Q:  Why is Newington changing the recycling collection?

A:  Taxpayers currently pay $69.00 for each ton of household garbage that is collected and disposed of each week.  There is currently no charge to dispose of recyclables.  If we can increase the amount of material that we recycle and reduce the amount of household garbage that we dispose of, taxpayers will benefit from the reduced trash disposal fees.

Q:  Will there be any change in my household trash collection (green container)?

A:  NO, there will be no changes in your current household trash collection, the day and frequency of the collection will remain the same.

Q:  Which container is for recycling and which one is for trash?

A:  The new blue container will be used for recycling only (NO TRASH)

     The green container will continue to be used for household trash

Q:  What do I do with my old 14 gallon blue bin?

A:  Residents may keep their old recycling bin.  If you wish to dispose of your bin, you may place it in your GREEN garbage barrel- DO NOT dispose of it in your new BLUE recycling container.  Residents may also drop them off at the Highway Department @ 281 Milk Lane (off FennRd.) Mon.-Fri. 7:00a.m.- 3:30p.m.

Q:  What material should be placed in your new blue recycling container?

A:  On the lid of the container there is an in-mold label listing acceptable items and some common mistakes.  For an updated list of recyclable items please click on the "Acceptable items for curbside collection" tab

Q:  What happens if I put my container out on the wrong week?

A:  It will not be collected.

Q:  Do I still need to separate recyclables?

A:  NO. With single stream recycling you will no longer need to bag or bundle paper and cardboard, or separate plastic and glass, simply place all your acceptable recyclables into your container and wheel it to the curb. Please remember to rinse glass and plastic containers prior to placing them in the container. We ask that shredded paper be placed in paper bags. Also, remember that items not placed in the recycling container will not be collected. 

Q:  What about leaves, grass, and yard waste?

A:  These items must not be placed in the blue recycling container or the green refuse container. Residents may bring yard debris (permit required) and grass and leaves (proof of residency required) to the Town Landfill located on Main Street (adjacent to Churchill Park). Permits may be obtained at the Highway Department @ 281 Milk Lane Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 

Q: Can I use the blue recycling container for excess trash?

A:  NO. Please do not place any household waste in the recycling container, only recyclables should be placed in the blue container. If you need an additional refuse container, please contact Trash Away @ 860-225-1206 for details.

Q:  Who should I contact if I have further questions?

A:  Contact the Sanitation Division of the Highway Department @ 860-667-5874.