SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Materials Recycling Facility’s Advisory Board has announced a series of recycling changes, effective July 1, that will impact municipal recycling programs in Western Massachusetts. The changes are a result of new contract terms.
Shredded paper
Shredded paper will no longer be acceptable with paper recycling. Residents should instead bring confidential documents to area businesses (such as copy shops, office supply stores, shipping stores or local banks) for secure shredding.
According to a press release from the Springfield Materials Recycling Facility’s Advisory Board, some local banks sponsor free shredding events in the spring and fall. The material generated from these commercial shredding operations is taken directly to paper mills.
The alternative to shredding through a business or event is disposal as trash.
Aerosol cans
Aerosol cans will no longer be accepted with container recycling, the release states. Instead, residents are advised to put aerosol cans that contained food and personal care products in the trash, and to bring aerosol cans that still contain hazardous products to a household hazardous waste collection.
Plastic cups
Clear plastic cups will be acceptable with container recycling. However, lids and straws must be removed and placed in the trash.
Other plastic cups, such as Styrofoam, colored “keg” cups and opaque plastic cups, are not acceptable for recycling and must go in the trash, the release states. If a clear cup is labeled “compostable,” it should not go in with container recycling.
Egg cartons
Clear plastic egg cartons will be acceptable with container recycling. However, paper and Styrofoam egg cartons are not recyclable.
For more information about what can be recycled in Western Massachusetts, visit springfieldmrf.org.