Dedham Awarded Grant for Public Space Recycling Containers

DEDHAM, MA. July 16, 2015 – The Town of Dedham has been awarded a grant from the Massachusetts Recycling Challenge (MRC) to help implement public space recycling. Through this award the Town is now able to expand its single stream recycling program to public spaces. The Town has worked hard to implement a successful residential single stream recycling program and has over the past several years expanded it to include recycling in all of its parks, playgrounds and ball fields. The implementation of recycling in public spaces will help to further solidify the Town’s commitment to recycling and to creating a cleaner, more sustainable community.

The MRC is an initiative of the Massachusetts Beverage Association, representing local soft drink bottlers across the state, and the Massachusetts Food Association, whose members include small “mom and pop” food stores up to major supermarkets. These companies have invested significant time and resources in recycling and are now turning their focus to improving on-the-go recycling.

As part of the MRC grant award, DSM Environmental Services, Inc. provided technical assistance to the Town on the selection of public space recycling containers. DSM’s assistance included identifying best locations, selecting containers, and ensuring that a sustainable collection program is in place.

In 2013, Americans generated about 254 million tons of trash, and recycled and composted 34.3% of this material. Metals and plastics make up 13% and 9%, respectively (EPA). On average, each American generates 4.40 pounds of waste per day. By recycling and composting, 87.2 million tons of material avoids going into a landfill or incineration plants. Expanding recycling programs also helps local economy- in 2009; there were 13,905 recycling jobs in Massachusetts, resulting in a $48 million annual payroll.

As a result of this grant funding the Town has purchased and installed 12 public space recycling containers distributed throughout the Town. Keep your eye out for the new green bins, displaying the recycling symbol in many of the Town centers. Please help us make this program a success by only disposing of single stream recycling items (paper, bottles and cans) in these receptacles, no household trash or foam products (Dunkin Donuts foam cups are not recyclable).

For more information on this program or to provide feedback, please contact Virginia LeClair, Environmental Coordinator at vleclair@dedham-ma.gov or 781-751-9213.