DPW Spring Recycling Events a Success

~ Submitted by Liz Antanavica – Beford’s Refuse & Recycling Administrator

The DPW hosted its spring recycling events in May. These events are held twice a year (spring and fall) and help residents responsibly recycle items or offer them to local community groups for reuse. By partnering with local businesses and charitable organizations, Bedford residents kept more than 25 tons of material out of the waste stream.

E-waste was the biggest draw. TVs and Air Conditioners were the most common item for recycling but residents also brought other e-waste like vacuum cleaners, Keurig coffee makers, and that pesky box of cords that seems to double in size when you’re not looking. In total, nearly 20 tons of electronics were recovered for recycling. Recycling electronics at the end of their life is an important tool for getting valuable materials, like lithium for batteries, back into manufacturing. Missed the event? Staples and Best Buy accept most electronic items in their stores, year-round, for recycling. Check retailer websites before dropping off.

Bulky rigid plastic was also a popular collection. In all, residents filled two 30-yard dumpsters with 3 tons of unwanted plastic items. Material collected at the event will be baled and sent to a plastic reclaimer to be shredded and remanufactured into new items. Car seats were an especially popular item for recycling. Many residents expressed their appreciation for a local recycling option for car seats, which can be an especially challenging end-of-life material.

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The two events also collected:

  • A full truck of furniture and home goods for Household Goods, Inc of Acton
  • 28 20-lb propane tanks (grill tanks), 21 camping tanks, and 46 fire extinguishers
  • A full truck of paper shredding (approximately 1500lbs)
  • 2437 pounds of clothing & books

The next special collection events will occur in October 2022.

The DPW is looking for resident feedback on the future of the Refuse & Recycling program.
Share your thoughts by completing this quick survey
https://forms.gle/JrLVcKy71mz2g3JB7

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