Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there a limit on amount of trash per barrel?
Yes, it is important to limit the weight so that our haulers are not subjected to lifting injuries.  Each barrel/bag should weigh less than 50 pounds.

How can I dispose of TVs, computer monitors, propane tanks, air conditioners, refrigerators or freezers?
For a fee, Millis Industries will take these items.  Call them at 508/879‑4100 for more information.

How can I dispose of a mattress?
Mattresses are considered bulk items and will be collected curbside.  Each household is limited to one bulk item per week.

How can I dispose of carpets or broken furniture?
See number 2 above.  Carpets must be cut into 2-foot by 2-foot pieces.

How can I dispose of solvents, paints, pool chemicals and motor oil?
Solvents, paints, motor oil, pool chemicals and other household hazardous materials are not allowed in the curbside collection as these materials can become dangerous when mixed with other waste.  The town of Ashland sponsors a regional household hazardous waste collection day in the spring.  Check this website for further details, or call 508/497-9740.

Is the town planning to implement a fee system for trash pick up?
We are trying to avoid fees for the collection and disposal of our trash.  This program, commonly referred to as “pay as you throw” (PAYT), can take many forms.  In most cases households are required to purchase special bags or tags for the trash.

It is our expectation that the Town of Hopkinton can avoid a PAYT system by increasing our recycling rates.  Every ton of materials we divert from the solid waste stream saves $80.

Please help the town meet its financial goals by recycling if you don’t already do so, by recycling more if you do, and by encouraging your family and neighbors to do so as well.

Remember: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”  Reduce the amount of trash you generate (for example, buy products without extra packaging); reuse things when possible (for example, paper that has print on only one side can be used in your computer printer if you turn it over to the blank side); and recycle – make a concerted and conscious effort to pull newspaper, junk mail, magazines, booklets and other paper products out of your trash bag.

Other ways to reduce trash:  donate clothes and toys to local charities, organize a neighborhood yard sale, etc.  Please also consider home composting (click on “State Recycling Information” link on DPW home page for information on home composting).

Curbside Recycling Collection – Every Other Week

ENFORCEMENT OF THE TOWN’S MANDATORY RECYCLING BYLAW WILL BEGIN DECEMBER 1, 2003.  DURING DECEMBER AND JANUARY, OUR HAULER (BFI) WILL LEAVE WARNING NOTICES AT HOUSEHOLDS THAT ARE NOT RECYCLING PROPERLY.

STARTING FEBRUARY 1, 2004, TRASH WILL NOT BE TAKEN FROM HOUSEHOLDS THAT DO NOT RECYCLE.

PLEASE HELP US REDUCE OUR TRASH BY RECYCLING PROPERLY.

1.   Materials must be curbside by 7a.m.  Collection of all recyclables will be made from each dwelling, including apartment buildings consisting of three or fewer dwelling units.  Items for collection must be placed on the outer edge of the sidewalk or at the edge of the travel way.  Please separate trash and recycling containers.

2.   Recyclable materials must be separated.

· Food and liquid containers must be rinsed clean.

· Food‑contaminated paper such as pizza boxes are not recyclable and will not be taken.

· Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, phone books, paperboard such as cereal boxes, juice boxes, and white/colored paper should be placed in a paper (not plastic) bag or in a separate bin.  Junk mail with window envelopes, staples and paper clips are acceptable for recycling.

· Corrugated cardboard must be reduced to 2‑foot by 2‑foot pieces (or smaller) and placed beside recycling bin at curb.  Flattened cardboard boxes may be taken to the Recycling Center on Route 135 (Wood St.) at the Hopkinton/Westborough line (on right if traveling toward Westborough) between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

· Glass bottles and jars are collected; please remove lids and cork – no need to remove neck rings.

· Other glass such as dishes, Pyrex, light bulbs, window/auto glass, ceramics, mirrors, drinking glasses, or broken glass are not acceptable.

· Tin, steel, and aluminum cans are collected and must be rinsed clean.

· No aluminum foil, aerosol cans, paint cans, coat hangers, or hazardous containers are collected.

· Milk and juice cartons must be rinsed clean, with straws removed.

· Plastic containers with a recycling symbol (1-7) are collected.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to remove labels from cans and bottles before recycling them?
No, recycling is much easier than it used to be.  Labels may be left on cans and bottles.

Must I separate paper from paperboard (for example, cereal boxes) and cardboard?
No, for curbside recycling it is no longer necessary to separate paper from paperboard or cardboard.

How thoroughly do I have to rinse cans and bottles before recycling them?
Residual food contaminates the recyclable product.  Cans, bottles, plastic jugs or food containers should be clean and without any food residue.

Must I remove all scotch tape from cardboard boxes before recycling?
No.  Tape and labeling can remain on the cardboard.

Is it OK to recycle gift wrap, tissue paper, or children’s drawings with crayons or markers?
Gift wrap and children’s drawings and other marked paper material can be recycled.  Tissue paper, because of its density, is not recyclable.

How may I obtain a recycling bin?
Call the DPW at 508/497‑9740 for information on obtaining a recycling bin.  New residents are entitled to one bin at no charge.  Replacement or extra bins may be purchased from DPW at cost (approximately $5).  Please bear in mind that any appropriate container, for example, a milk crate or old laundry basket, may be used for recyclables.  Also, containers with lids are available at Home Depot and other local hardware stores.

If it is raining on recycle pick-up day, do I need to cover my recyclables so they don’t get wet?
No.  It doesn’t matter if the paper material is wet.  The haulers know to carefully test and lift paper containers on inclement weather days.

If I miss a recycling pick-up, is there a way to dispose of my recyclables before the next scheduled pick-up date?
Yes, you may drop off your recyclables at the Recycling Center on Route 135 on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

State Requirements for Recycling TVs and Computer Monitors

1.   The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection prohibits the disposal of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) at all Massachusetts solid waste facilities.  CRTs are the glass picture tubes found in televisions, computer monitors and video games that protect users against radiation.  The average CRT contains about 5 pounds of lead.  The Salvation Army will not accept CRTs.

2.   E-Waste (Computers, monitors, & electronics are being collected at the Recycling Drop-off now, for a fee.

3.   Watch local media in the springtime for notices about “spring hazardous waste collection day” or call DPW at 508-497-9740 for more information.

White Metal Collection

1.   A dumpster will be provided the last Saturday of every month at the DPW Highway Garage, 83 Wood Street (Route 135).

2.   The Town of Hopkinton will not accept any freezers, refrigerators, or air conditioners at the Highway Garage.

3.   Home pick-up of white metal goods including freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioners can be arranged by contacting Millis Industries. Call 508-879-8209;4100 for information regarding their fees.

Contact DPW