City’s New Trash & Recycling Rules & Fees Start This Week

The following information was provided by the City of Watertown.

The City of Watertown recently ratified the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan. The plan sets a goal of reducing waste tonnage statewide by 30% between now and 2030.

The Watertown Public Works Authority is implementing new program changes that will enable Watertown to achieve a 30% reduction in waste tonnage based on 2019 standards. New programs and policies have been created to avoid material waste through reduced consumption, reuse of existing items, and expanded recycling programs. We thank all Watertown residents for their support and patience as we transition to these new policy changes.

All new programs effective October 17, 2022

76 Stanley Avenue Recycling Center: Open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 9am-4pm for Watertown Residents. active now

• Business hours are changing 3 days a week From Monday 12th September^th2022.
• Materials collected: Cardboard, single stream recycling, garden waste, electronic waste, batteries, textiles (clothes, shoes, bedding), scrap metal, hard plastics (outside furniture, toys, etc.), compost collection.
• New addition to recycling center: Collecting compost.

Garbage/compostable materials: Watertown has partnered with Black Earth Compost to collect food waste for free. active now

• Residents wishing to participate in the curbside collection program must register at blackearthcompost.com/watertown.
• A curbside collection pilot is available for residents of buildings with four or fewer units.
• A compost drop-off is available at the recycling center available to all residents.
• All food waste should be emptied directly into the communal tote bag. No all kinds of bags.
• Acceptable items: Meat, bones, dairy, vegetables, leftovers, coffee grounds, filters, eggs, eggshells, seafood, seafood shells, napkins.
• Full list of items that can be trashed: https://blackearthcompost.com/media/uploads/2019/09/26/BlackEarthCompostGuide.pdf
• Watertown Public Schools have begun collecting food waste for the 2022-2023 school year.

Bulk items: Combustible items (except mattresses) schedule and payment For curbside pickup by phone 844-737-8254 Through the Republic Service. These items are WednesdayConsider donating, selling or gifting furniture or items in usable condition. This eliminates the need to dispose of large items and reduces the need to create and transport new items. Program Starts October 17, 2022

• All combustible bulk items must be scheduled for pickup. Schedule and pay for pickup by phone: 844-737-8254 Through the Republic Service. Residents may also use outside vendors if desired.
• Items placed on the curb not scheduled through Republic Services will not be collected and are considered illegal dumping for which fines may be imposed.
• Places to donate or sell include the Facebook Marketplace, the Buy Nothing-Watertown Facebook page, and craigslist.org.
• Collection can be scheduled for each household 2 Combustibles per week.
• Bulk purchase prices vary depending on the item, size and shape. Small/medium items are capped at $25 per item, and large items such as sofas are capped at $50 per item.

TV/white goods: These items cannot be put in the trash and must be recycled properly. White goods refer to appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, ovens, and microwave ovens. Program Starts October 17, 2022

• Televisions/white goods require payment and scheduling through Republic Services.
• Schedule and Pay for Pickup by Phone: 844-737-8254 Through the Republic Service.
• Collection occurs at intervals of Thursday.
• White goods and TV collections vary in price depending on the product, size and shape. Small/Medium items are capped at $25 per item and Large items are capped at $50 per item.
• MassSave offers free pick-up and recycling of electrical equipment. Consider scheduling a collection with them. For more information, visit www.massave.com/shop/recycling/refrigerator-and-freezer-recycling.

Mattress recycling: Mattresses and box springs are prohibited items due to the MassDEP Act, which takes effect in November 2022.this means They cannot be thrown away and must be recycledWatertown has partnered with HandUp, a mattress recycler.Schedule curbside pickup by phone (617-378-7619) Or at www.handupmattress.com/curbside-pickup. Click the “Schedule a Town Pickup” button to sign up. Opt in and activate now. Required after October 17, 2022.

• For more information, visit our website: www.handupmattress.com
• The City of Watertown negotiated a price of $46 for each mattress or box spring individually.
• Watertown will have curbside collection at least one day per month as collection increases.
• Mattresses left on curbs not scheduled for HandUp pickup are considered illegal dumps and may be fined.
• Republic Services will no longer collect mattresses.
• For more information on this program, please visit https://www.watertown-ma.gov/827/Mattress-Recycling.

The City of Watertown offers a set price of $20 per item for customers who meet certain income-based criteria. If you are a Watertown resident on an owner-occupied property and receive a Section 17D or Section 41C real estate exemption, you are eligible for this pricing. If you are a Watertown resident and have fuel assistance, you are eligible for this set price. Email the Recycling Department with a letter of interest and the appropriate documentation for fuel assistance or property exemption. recycle@watertown-ma.gov.

For questions or more information, visit www.watertown-ma.gov/trash or email Watertown’s Recycling Coordinator, Anya Pforzheimer (recycle@watertown-ma.gov).