12/18/2013 - Holiday Trash & Recycling Tips
Holiday Trash & Recycling Tips
Will you receive a new flat screen TV for the holidays? A new cell phone or computer? Do you know what to do with the old electronics you have in the basement collecting dust? Much of what was once holiday garbage is now recyclable in Naugatuck. Electronics such as cell phones, computers, radios, and TV’s, are accepted at most municipal recycling centers including Naugatuck's. Residents can also bring electronics to the privately owned Take2 Recycling at 295 S. Leonard St, Waterbury, Mon through Sat.
Most Americans produce 25% more trash during the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s - that trash equals an increased cost to taxpayers and a strain on the environment. There are many ways you can reduce the mountains of garbage; recycle everything you can, reuse your gift boxes and bags, give “green gifts” such as plants, or give to your favorite charity. Donate usable items at the Goodwill Trailer, located at the Railroad Station on Water St. it's open daily accepting gently used household goods, clothing, toys, etc. It is estimated that each person generates 82 pounds of textiles each year, unfortunately much of it is thrown in the trash. Clothing is easily recycled at Goodwill and numerous drop-boxes located in every town, even torn clothing has value as rags.
The following can be recycled in Naugatuck, either curbside or at the recycling center: Corrugated cardboard, shirt, gift, and cereal type boxes, wrapping paper (non-metallic, without bows & ribbons), junk mail and office paper, newspaper, catalogs, magazines, phone books, aerosol cans, plastic bottles and containers #1 through #7 (none with chemicals or motor oil), glass bottles, metal food & beverage cans, aluminum foil, disposable aluminum plates and trays, juice boxes and paper milk and juice cartons. In addition fluorescent light bulbs, motor oil, antifreeze, automotive batteries, propane tanks, electronics, leaves and brush are also accepted free of charge at the Rubber Ave. center.
Always flatten boxes and remove any plastic wrap, windows, etc. Styrofoam is not acceptable so packing peanuts and foam blocks must be thrown in the trash or donated for re-use and mailing. Plastic bags are not accepted in the recycle cart but can be recycled at local grocery stores, never put recycling in plastic bags. Recycling carts will not empty completely if oversized boxes are jammed inside so flatten boxes and set loosely in the cart.
The recycling center will be open usual hours during the holidays, Thurs and Sat 8 AM to 2 PM,. The Bulk Trash side of the Rubber Ave. Center for furniture, appliances, and large item disposal is now closed for the season. Call 203-720-7071 or email publicworks@naugatuck-ct.gov with questions.