Hey Shrewsbury! Today we are talking about smart waste management. Read on for an overview of the Town’s waste initiatives as well as a brief on the upcoming recycling contract and how it will affect you.
Solid waste disposal – meaning waste sent to incineration or landfill where it breaks down and releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas – makes up a small but important chunk of the Town’s municipal emissions at 2 percent. Shrewsbury has taken steps to reduce its waste emissions by targeting consumption. Because while it is important for the Town to develop innovative ways to increase waste diversion through reuse, recycling, and composting strategies, the most effective strategy for reducing emissions is to decrease waste generation in the first place. The less material that the Town uses for its operations, the less waste will be produced and potentially sent to incineration facilities.
Additionally, the Town has utilized public policy to adopt waste generation reduction strategies including a community-wide plastic bag ban (2017) and a Styrofoam ban in public schools (2020). The Town is also working to adopt centralized municipal procurement strategies that minimize the amount of paper and single-use items purchased.
So far, the Town’s efforts have been very successful in reducing waste! Shrewsbury was recognized last year with the Central Massachusetts Municipal Recycling Council Recognition Award for the Town’s “outstanding waste reduction program.” According to this article from the Community Advocate, “Of the 40 largest communities that reported to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) in 2021, Shrewsbury had the third-lowest per-capita waste disposal rate.” This has been attributed to the success of Shrewsbury’s pay-as-you-throw system – according to the MassDEP, pay-as-you-throw municipalities create 29% less trash than other communities.
New Recycling Contract
The Town of Shrewsbury, with our new hauler Casella Waste Systems, is providing new recycling carts for all residents who participate in the Pay-As-You-Throw program. There will be several information sessions throughout April, May, and June to help residents learn more about this new program. Learn more on the Town Website!
Want to help our community reduce waste?
Learn what can and cannot be recycled on RecycleSmartMA
Utilize Shrewsbury’s Textile Recycling Program
Learn how to compost at home
Solid Waste and Recycling Program in Shrewsbury
Thank you for reading! Stay tuned every month for new posts all about Shrewsbury’s climate action initiatives and progress.