Letter to the Editor: How Do I Know My Refuse Hauler is Actually Recycling?

As a longtime, local refuse hauler, I am frequently asked by clients and other residents of Winchester, “How do I know that my refuse hauler is actually recycling?” This is a reasonable question considering many residents are not home to witness their rubbish/recyclables being removed.  Residents trust that their refuse hauler is not mixing carefully separated recyclables with garbage and dumping them together, as garbage. This shell game could potentially allow a hauler to offer lower prices, since it is eliminating the time consuming but important step of recycling.  It would also violate the very trust that the local refuse hauler industry is dependant upon for survival.  It would be penny wise but pound-foolish, not to mention dishonest.

So, here are a few simple questions to ask your residential refuse hauler:

1.  In addition to trash removal, does your service provide for the handling of recyclables?
2. Do you ever mix trash and recyclables together?  If so, how do you separate them at the recycling facility?
3. Which recycling facility do you use and can you provide documentation or proof of recycling such as weight slips?
4. While I understand that I might not be allowed into the actual facility for safety concerns, would you object to showing me your operation and can I follow your truck to the recycling facility?
5. Can you provide proof of insurance?

I realize that these questions do not guarantee that your items are actually being recycled but the answers should provide needed insight. It has become too convenient for residential haulers to fraudulently advertise that they recycle. Please understand, there are no mysterious trade secrets - your items are either being recycled or not.  If recycling is important to you, I encourage you to have an earnest conversation with your refuse hauler.

Sincerely,

George Nowell, Jr.

President of Winchester Rubbish Removal & Recycling and G.R. Nowell & Son, Inc.

86 Cross Street

Winchester, MA 01890