Recycling Programs in Boston
By Ashley Ginter

Boston's environment sets a reputable standard for clean urban living. Trash barrels on street corners, periodic street cleaning, and daily garbage removal across the city are just a few ways residents are able to keep their neighborhoods clean. Maintaining a safe and clean environment is an important priority in this city, and it is mainly possible because Boston has efficient methods of clean-up. The recycling program, developed by the Boston Department of Public Works, is considerably effective with its four main recycling options. They include: small residential building curbside recycling, large residential building recycling, drop-off center recycling, and backyard composting.

Curbside recycling is a service provided for Boston residents who live in buildings that contain no more than six units. Recyclable materials will be removed from the curbside if they are placed in a specific blue box for recycling, or another box that has the words "RECYCLE" printed in large, readable print. In general, there are some restrictions for curbside recycling, but overall most materials are accepted. For example, paper and cardboard materials such as junk mail, boxboard (cereal boxes), phone books and magazines can be recycled this way. Acceptable containers are glass, bottles, jars of all colors and sizes, aluminum cans, foil, plastic, milk and juice cartons. Seasonal yard waste (leaves, weeds, hedge trimmings, brush) will also be picked up on curbside. Specifically, the department prefers all paper materials to be placed in a bag underneath the blue box, glass and plastic should be rinsed with lids removed, metals should be rinsed clean, and yard waste should be stored in lawn bags or open trash barrels.

Curbside recycling rules differ for each large residential building. The best way to find out these policies is to contact the property manager.

In addition to curbside recycling, the Boston recycling program offers three drop off locations. The Allston/Brighton location, at 449 Cambridge Street, only accepts containers, and the Charter School in the South End/Roxbury accept only containers as well. Mission Hill's drop off center at 100 Terrace Street accepts containers, paper, and cardboard.

Finally, backyard composting is the fourth part of Boston's recycling program. For safe and successful composting, the city offers bins for $23. These bins are sold at the Boston Buildings Materials Co-op at 100 Terrace Street in Mission Hill, or Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester.

City officials and residents of Boston are conscientious of keeping the city clean and safe for everyone. Maintaining this standard is important for preserving its historical buildings, parks, and sidewalks. By acting now to keep Boston clean, the city will be a nice place for future generations as well. The Boston recycling program offers residents all types of options for helping to maintain this friendly environment. For more information, or any questions regarding pick up schedules or recycling policy can be answered at the recycling hotline 617-635-4959 , Mon-Fri 9-5, or by visiting http://www.townonline.com/boston .

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