Single Stream Recycling

Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!  Not only is every Connecticut resident required by state law to recycle, but each town is required to provide recycling options to their residents.  Although municipalities must see to it that the mandated items are recycled, they are free to decide what collection method is best for their recycling program.  As well, they may chose to recycle additional types of materials beyond the state mandated ones, which is why Stonington may be collecting items that your friend's town is not. These items are prevented from entering the waste stream through product stewardship programs (also known as extended producer responsibility or EPR) which require manufacturers of certain items to develop and/or provide collection systems for their products.  Examples of products covered under EPR programs in Stonington are electronics, paint, mattresses and tires. These items may be brought to the Stonington Transfer Station located at 151 Greenhaven Road free of charge to Stonington residents.

The Town of Stonington contracts a hauler to transport resident mixed recyclables to Casella/Willimantic Waste Paper Inc. .  As a Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resources Recovery Authority (SCRRRA) member, the town is able to receive benefits from SCRRRA’s regional recyclable processing agreement with Casella/Willimantic Waste Paper Inc. saving the Town money.

Residents are asked to place their mixed recyclables out to the curb by 6:30a.m on their regularly schedule pick up date.  Any container may be used, but please limit the container to no larger than 32 gallons. The current hauler does not have mechanical armed trucks and weight is a concern.

Be conscientious of your recycling bin. Does it have a lid? If not are your recyclables secure and not prone to falling/blowing out? By flattening plastic bottles and placing heavier items on top you can make sure your recyclables are secure to prevent them from turning into litter. Follow the recycling guidelines from Casella/Willimantic.  Always flatten your cardboard boxes and please keep plastic bags out of your recycle bin. Recyclables placed in plastic bags will not be collected for disposal. Give your recyclables a rinse before placing them in the bin, and please no broken glass. Styrofoam is not recyclable and should be put in a yellow bag or brought to the Transfer Station.

The more diligent we are about recycling, the more money will be saved on tipping fees and yellow bags.

Connecticut has a goal of diverting/reducing/reusing and recycling 60% of the state's municipal solid waste by the year 2024.  Recycling is an important part of managing solid waste to help reduce the use of raw materials, reduce air and water pollution, reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.

Stonington Thanks You For Making A Difference!