Braintree Recycling No Longer Accepting Shredded Paper

BRAINTREE, MA — Because of new rules from the state Department of Environmental Protection, the town is no longer accepting shredded paper for recycling. Bags of shredded paper now need to go in the trash. According to Rosemary Nolan, the town's solid waste coordinator, the reason for the change is shredded paper is often unable to be recycled at the processing plant.

"Shredded paper is always in some type of bag," Nolan said. "When opened at the recycling processing plant, the material flies around the room and equipment, resulting in the plant not being able to recycle it."

Starting May 1, Braintree will offer residents an alternative. The town is creating a service where shredded paper can be dropped off at the recylcing center at 257 Ivory St. The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m, and is closed on Wednesday, Sunday, and holidays.

Residents can simply hand their bags to an attendant who will empty them into the special carts at the recycling center. There is a limit of two 15-gallon bags per visit.