From the Conservation Newsletter - Spring, 2008


Recycling Etiquette in Wilton

In Connecticut, each person produces three-quarters of a ton of trash each year, but recycles only 20% of it

Wilton residents have the chance to improve their recycling statistics through the Town's recycling program. The State has passed mandatory recycling laws and adopted a solid waste management hierarchy which utilizes first source reduction (that means, “Use Less!”), then recycling, composting, waste-to-energy and finally landfilling as the preferred methods to handle its trash.

To meet this goal, a number of items were designated as recyclable and are reflected in Wilton’s current recycling program. Many residents have questions about recycling. A sampling of the most common questions and answers is located below.

In an effort to keep ourselves up to date on recycling, future Conservation Commission newsletters will contain additional Q&A’s about recycling. If your question is not addressed in these newsletters or on the website, please contact us at dpw@wiltonct.org or call us at one of the numbers in the sidebar.

Today’s top Recycling questions are…

 

1. What are Wilton Residents required to recycle?
Wilton residents should recycle the following items:
  • Dry uncontaminated newspaper (including inserts) tied four ways with twine (maximum bundle height is 8 inches)
  • Flattened corrugated cardboard (Do NOT include cereal boxes, frozen food boxes, etc.)
  • Commingled Items (Caps/tops must be removed):
  • Rinsed GLASS food and beverage containers
  • Rinsed METAL food and beverage containers (including clean metal pie plates)
  • Rinsed PLASTIC containers ( #1 and #2 plastics as noted on bottom)
2. Will my private hauler pick up all of the above listed recyclables?
Yes, however some private haulers may or may not pick up cardboard. Please contact your individual hauler for details.
3. In addition to the items listed above, can I bring other recycling items not listed above to the Wilton Transfer Station?
Yes, in addition to the items listed above, the Wilton Town Transfer Station located on Mather Street will also accept:
  • Mixed paper (office paper, junk mail, magazines, etc)
  • Cardboard
  • Clean clothing and shoes
  • Scrap metal
  • Clean motor oil
  • Car batteries
4. Where is the Transfer Station? How can I learn more about the Transfer Station?
The Transfer Station is located on Mather Street in North Wilton. From Route 7 North, turn right on Honey Hill Road, and left onto Mather Street immediately after crossing the railroad tracks. The Transfer Station entrance is on the right side of Mather Street. Additional information concerning the Transfer Station location (including a map) and instructions are available at the Town Clerk’s office or on the Department of Public Works section of the Town Web site here. For further information, call the DPW at 203-563-0152.
transfer station map
5. Where can I get a new blue Recycling bin?
At the Wilton Department of Public Works office at Town Hall.
6. What do I do with my old Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)?
Since CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, they must be disposed of properly. Wilton residents are strongly encouraged to save burned-out CFLs and dispose of them at a Hazardous Waste Collection. The 2008 Household Hazardous Waste Collection schedule can be found here.. In addition, many Electronics Recycling Collections accept burned-out CFLs as well as IKEA in New Haven which has a permanent collection bin for burned-out CFLs. For information on the proper handling and disposal of broken CFLs, please visit the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Web site (www.ct.gov/dep). The same precautions should be taken for the long fluorescent lights we have used for many years.

There are many things that citizens can do to decrease their trash output and increase the amount of material that is recycled. If your recycling questions are not answered here, see the sidebar for further links and contact information.


 

Last updated: May 4, 2008 13:42