Single Stream in Trumbull: Don't Throw It All Away

You can't throw that half-empty paint can into your recycling bin, but the list of what is recyclable has grown in Trumbull. 

Hazardous waste materials such as old paint cans should be brought to the commuter lot at Routes 25 and 111 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 5. A complete list is available online. Monroe and Easton residents may also bring materials. All participants should provide identification via their driver's licenses.

As for recyclables, Trumbull Public Works Director John Marsilio said the town is working on hiring a recycling coordinator and is using a "soft transition" to single stream recycling.

"We are encouraging single stream recycling in the blue bins," he said. He estimated that the town has 14,000 households and the blue bins will be used for now.

Here's what can go into the blue bins now:

• All plastics, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, advertising inserts and clean glass and cans may be co-mingled in the blue bins. If greater capacity is needed, additional Bins may be purchased at the Highway Department for $5;

• All Plastics #1 - #7:  plastic milk jugs, plastic buckets and crates, detergent bottles, plastic lids, plastic bottles and plastic toys;
• Glass:  bottles, jars, vases

• Paper/Paper Products:  juice and milk cartons, newspapers and inserts, cardboard, paper bags, envelopes (plastic windows OK) shredded paper; 
• Metal:  tin cans, small metal objects, empty aerosol cans, aluminum cans and foil, pots and pans, metal lids.

Don'ts include: Food waste, needles/syringes, hazardous or biohazardous waste, electronic waste, organic materials, recyclables in bags, plastic bags, styrofoam, light bulbs, batteries, plastic films and cellophane.

Information is also available from From the state Department of Environmental Protection: "What Do I Do With .... ? A Resident's Management Guide to Proper Disposal or Recycling For Those Not-So-Common Household Items".

The next step is public education, Marsilio said. "It's my hope" the town will be fully using single-stream recycling by next year, he said.