The Town of Mattapoisett is facing a recycling contamination problem. Contamination has become such a global problem that China, one of the world’s largest receivers of recyclables, has instituted a “National Sword” policy which now bans 24 types of solid waste, which includes various plastics and unsorted paper and sets tougher standards for contamination levels. The result has been a near complete shutdown of U.S. recycling exports. It’s a serious issue we need to address. Not only from an environmental standpoint, but from a fiscal one. To combat this problem, the Town applied for and was awarded a grant through MassDEP’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) to implement Recycling IQ. The purpose is to reduce contamination in the residential recycling stream in the Commonwealth.
One of the major causes of contamination is the bagging of recyclables in plastic bags. Plastic wrapping and loose plastic bag in recycling bins can have a negative effect of being caught in conveyor belts and sorting equipment, which can be dangerous for workers. Another major issue is “wishful recycling” which has led to large amounts of contamination by residents who believe items are recyclable, but instead have a detrimental impact on the finished product. A general rule of thumb is “when in doubt, throw it out”. Things that do belong in the recycling bins are clean paper, plastic (bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs), clean metal cans, clean glass jars, and cardboard without food or grease are recyclable. In an effort to clean up our recycling, enforcement officers will be walking the neighborhoods in your area. They will be checking and grading your recycling. If you have any questions about your recycling or what you can and can’t recycle, please visit our website www.mattapoisett.net or contact the Mattapoisett Board of Health. Thank you for working with us to make Mattapoisett’s curbside recycling cleaner.