Westport Signs Contract to Continue Single Stream Recycling

[The following statement was released by the Westport Selectman's Office.]

First Selectman Gordon Joseloff announced Monday that Westport has entered into a new contract with nine other communities in the region to continue the two-year old single stream recycling program. 

“Since it’s inception in 2011, single stream recycling in Westport has accounted for the recycling of 7,079 tons of recyclables as compared to the 2,581 tons that were recycled in the previous two years,” said Public Works Director Stephen Edwards. Each ton of recyclables that is removed from the waste stream and processed under the new contract will translate into a savings of approximately $105 per ton.”   

Under the terms of the new contract, additional commodities will be added to the recycle list.  Now paperback books, phone books, hard cover books that have had the binders removed, small plastic toys, and pots and pans have been added to the list of recyclable commodities.

These are in addition to all plastic food containers numbered 1 thru 7, chipboard products including cereal boxes and shoe boxes, all junk mail, aseptic containers, including milk and juice cartons and single service juice boxes, and aerosol cans that contain food or cosmetic products (not paint, automotive or chemical products such as pesticides).

The single stream process enables the resident to place all items together in the bin.

Residents should not place the recyclables in a plastic bag.  Plastic bags are not acceptable as they will foul the automatic processing equipment.  Refuse haulers have been instructed not to pick up any recyclables placed in plastic bags. 

Paper bags are acceptable. It has been shown that the paper mixed with the bottles and cans actually serves to cushion the glass during transport and handling thereby reducing the overall breakage.

Separation of the individual commodities is performed by density and optical scanners using an automated process. 

The Westport transfer station located at 300 Sherwood Connector, Westport, will continue to accept additional recyclable commodities not accepted in the blue bin.  These products include all electronics, fluorescent and CFL bulbs, all batteries, scrap metal, automotive oil, and antifreeze. 

Further information on services and hours of operation of the transfer station can be found on the town website at www.westportct.gov under the Department of Public Works.