'Put your trash in the trash': Recycling rules being enforced in Brockton

BROCKTON − Residents who fail to sort their trash and recyclables correctly might come home on trash collection day to find their unemptied recyclable bin left at the curb with a bright lime green sticker indicating why it was rejected.

That's because the city's trash hauler, Republic Services, notified the City on Aug. 30, that "due to excessively contaminated recycle loads, Casella and Waste Management will no longer accept contaminated recycling from the City at their facilities," the city posted on its official Facebook page on Aug. 31.

"Beginning Aug. 31, Republic will begin rejecting recycle carts with any contamination and they will not go back for any carts once they have been rejected," the post said.

Residents who have a recycling bin rejected, will have to wait until their next recycling day for a pick-up, or they may bring their recyclable items to the Recycle Depot at Oak Hill Way, according to the post.

Mayor Robert Sullivan's response

Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan said that he is "very disappointed and dismayed by Republic's approach" and that "their actions have a detrimental impact on the quality of life of the residents and taxpayers."

Sullivan said he was notified that a couple different loads were rejected because non-recyclable items were being mixed in with recyclables.

Under the city's contact with Republic, there are certain protocols that have to be adhered to. If there is more than 15 percent contamination in a load, it can be rejected, he said.

Republic has been taking Brockton recyclables to Casella and Casella has been saying they are contaminated and rejecting them. "It’s a really bad situation," Sullivan said.

"My view is Republic really hasn’t worked with us, to work with the residents," he said.

Republic drivers, under a requirement of the contract with the city, were supposed to be checking the bins all along and enforcing the guidelines, according to Sullivan.

"There are protocols in place of what is acceptable and not acceptable. Republic is enforcing those rules," Sullivan said.

BUDGET DEFICIT: 'This is beyond irresponsible': Brockton schools assistant CFO seeks whistleblower protection

The Mayor said the problem may simply be that people do not know what’s deemed acceptable and what’s not acceptable.

“Put your trash in the trash and recyclables in the recyclable, then it will be picked up curbside." Sullivan said.

Don't let your bin get rejected. Here's what to know.

What can be put in a recycle bin?

A list of recyclable items on Republic Services website include: paper, (newspapers, envelopes, mail and magazine), and cardboard, (file folders, frozen food boxes, cardboard boxes and milk cartons), plastic water bottles, take-out cartons and soda bottles, aluminum and metal, beverage and food cans

What can't be put in a recycle bin?

Republic Service's list of non-recyclable items include plastic bags, wires, aerosol cans, aluminum foil, batteries, clothing, food waste, mirrors, ceramic, clothes, clothes hangers, Styrofoam, paper towels, window glass and Pyrex.

IN THE NEWS: Brockton eyes hiking trash fee by 43 percent

Recyclables should be free of food and liquid, "One dirty item can contaminate an entire truckload," according to a list of recycling basics on the Republic Services website. "Recyclables should never be placed in a bag or bundle. Items should be placed in the container loose," according to the list.

For more information on recyclables, visit Republic Services website at www.republicservices.com/residents/recycling/basics

Items that require special handling

Items that should not be mixed with regular recycling and require special handling include: Candescent light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, computers and electronics, needles or syringes, hazardous waste, paint, toxic material containers and yard waste. For a complete list, visit Republic Services website.

Brockton Recycle Depot

The Brockton Recycle Depot at 300 Oak Hill Way is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for Brockton residents to drop off recyclable items. The Depot accepts bottles, cans, cardboard, paper, appliances and electronics.

A lot of items that cannot be put in a recyclable bin can be recycled at the Depot. These items include: clothes, books, paint, rechargeable, batteries, propane tanks, fluorescent lights, and automotive items,

A flyer with a full list of items can be found here or by visiting the City of Brockton website at https://brockton.ma.us/city-departments/public-works/trash-recycling/

Brockton trash bags

Residents can purchase green Brockton trash bags to put out unlimited trash, according to the city website. Bags can be purchased at local retailers, City Hall, the Recycle Depot or online. A roll of four bags costs $5.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton, Republic Services ask residents to follow recycling rules