Online shopping is becoming commonplace, with more and more people opting to compare prices among multiple sites and stores. While this is convenient for those who like to avoid stores, it means more cardboard boxes being delivered to local homes on a daily basis.

Wakefield residents are reminded that corrugated cardboard and cardboard boxes must be recycled. According to Wakefield Department of Public Works Director Richard Stinson, cardboard has been banned from Massachusetts' landfills and combustion facilities. The DPW strictly enforces the cardboard ban and does not accept any cardboard that is put in with the regular trash. 

Corrugated cardboard and cardboard boxes must be flattened and cut into 30" x 30" (2 1/2' x 2 1/2') pieces. Multiple pieces of cardboard must be tied together with string and placed beside, or on top of the recycling container. Wax-coated cardboard and other low-grade paper such as paper plates and cups, as well as soiled boxes (i.e.:pizza boxes) should not be recycled and can be put into the regular trash.

In addition to cardboard, the Wakefield DPW's every-other-week curbside recycling program includes recyclable paper (newspapers, inserts, magazines, junk mail, office paper, cereal boxes, cracker boxes, shoe boxes, paperback books); plastic labeled 1 and 7 (soda and detergent bottles, yogurt containers, plastic milk containers, water and juice bottles); glass (unbroken clear, green and brown food and beverage containers); and metal (beverage cans, metal food cans, aluminum pie plates and trays). White glass should be disposed of in your regular refuse.

For every ton of trash taken out of the waste stream, the town saves $60,920 in trash fees, leaving money for the town to fund additional programs and services. Wakefield residents can also reduce trash by reusing items like plastic shopping bags, buying rechargeable batteries instead of disposable batteries, reusing gift bags, wrapping paper and bows, and sending birthday cards that have been printed on recycled paper.

"We can all do our part by becoming aware of our own family's trash disposal and recycling habits and making any changes that we can to help reduce the amount of trash we throw away while increasing the recycling rate in our community," Stinson noted. "If residents need additional information about the curbside recycling program, they can call the DPW at 781-246-6301."

Remember-we need your help!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!