Recycling increases allow for larger containers
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - With the possibility of a pay-as-you-throw trash removal on the horizon, town health officials said they expect to see a drastic increase in the amount of recycling that's left at the curb.

To help accommodate the increase, the department is now allowing people to use recycling bins larger than the 14-gallon bins that have been accepted in the past.

People can now use up to 32-gallon containers to house their recyclables, as long as the total weight doesn't exceed 30 pounds.

Recycling decals are available at the Health Department office in Town Hall, and must be placed on any non-recyclingspecific bin that people plan to place at the curb.

The Health Department will also begin selling 18- and 22-gallon recycling bins next month.

People can also place recyclables in clear plastic bags if they don't have a separate recycling container.

The bins should only include glass and plastic, with paper and cardboard separated out into paper bags or tied up with string.

The Health Department is also running a trial project in which they will accept lightweight plastic bags, like grocery and other shopping bags, if they are placed in a clear plastic bag.

TV, computer drop-off event scheduled

Residents who would like to safely dispose of TVs, computers, printers, fax machines, microwaves, air conditioners and de-humidifiers can do so this month for a cost of $10 per item.

The items can be taken to the Municipal Garage on South Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday April 26. Propane gas tanks will also be accepted for a cost of $5 each.

Items containing mercury like thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs can be dropped off free of charge, as can rechargeable batteries and cell phones.

Also, people can drop off Styrofoam packing materials like peanuts, sheets and blocks for no cost, as well as metal items like gas grills, as long as the propane tank is removed; lawnmowers that have had the gas and oil removed; wheelbarrows; metal exercise equipment; bicycles; storm doors; metal car parts like bumpers, fenders, doors, and tire rims (no tires); metal tools; and swing sets. No large appliances will be accepted.