Single Stream Recycling

The world of recycling is changing and now more than ever is the time to make sure what you are putting in your blue cart is not contaminating the stream. Below is the new statewide recycling campaign RecycleSmartMA by the DEP which provides the do’s and don’ts of recycling in Massachusetts. Have a question about an item and whether or not it can be recycled? Check out the Recyclopedia to find all of your recycling answers!

recyclsmartma
Do Not Bag Recyclables

Acceptable Items

  • Metal Food and Beverage Cans (empty and rinse)
  • Plastic Bottles, Jars, Jugs and Tubs (empty and rinse)
  • Glass Bottles and Jars (empty and rinse)
  • Mixed Paper, Newspaper, Magazines, Cardboard Boxes (empty and flatten)

Non-Acceptable Items

  • Auto glass or ceramics
  • Batteries
  • Film canisters
  • Food waste
  • Light bulbs
  • Mirrors
  • Paper towels, plates, and cups
  • Plastic film
  • Plastic grocery bags (please return to supermarket)
  • Porcelain
  • Propane / butane canisters
  • Rigid Plastics (toys, crates, plastic pools, etc.)
  • Stickers, labels and backings
  • Styrofoam (many people try to recycle Styrofoam but it is non-recyclable in Brookline)
  • Wood

Message from the Brookline Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Dear Resident,

     The Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) is a group of citizen volunteers appointed by the Select Board. Its mission is simply stated: advise the Select Board on the best ways to reduce municipal solid waste. We are committed to moving Brookline toward a goal of being a “zero waste” community.

     That you are reading this message suggests that you share that interest. Thank you. Your efforts make fiscal and environmental sense.

     Single stream recycling offers convenience but it also requires responsibility. We ask you to take care not to contaminate our recyclables by putting non-recyclables into blue carts. 

     Please take the time to acquaint yourselves with what does and does not belong at curbside. The Town of Brookline website, the Recycling Corner in the Brookline TAB, and calls to the Department of Public Works

     Please continue to acquaint yourself with Brookline's efforts and expectations by checking the website, by regularly reading the "Recycling Corner" in the TAB, by calling the Department of Public Works, and by informing yourself about best practices in surrounding towns and cities, across the United States and internationally. 

Thank you,
Solid Waste Advisory Committee

Deane Coady

John Dempsey - Chair 

Mary Litterst

Kathleen O'Connell

Clint Richmond

Susan Rittling

John Shreffler



Coolidge Corner