Westford Recycling Commission

08/28/2026

Ever have questions on whether something belongs in the trash or curbside recycling? Check out Recycle Smart MA Recyclopedia

Recyclopedia: Can I recycle it? Search Read the newsletter Take the Quiz Test your knowledge about recycling in Massachusetts. Learn More Smart Recycling Guide Here’s what can and can’t go in your recycling bin. Learn More Watch the Video Why these common items don’t belong in the bin. Learn M...

08/25/2026

The Zero Waste event is approaching!
SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 9am - 1pm at Abbot Elementary.

08/23/2026

Never miss another Recycling event by linking to our Google calendar:

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08/22/2026

Napkins, Tissues, & Paper Towels: Trash, Compost, or Recycle? 🧻
While they are made of paper, napkins, tissues, and paper towels are another group of items where the answer on what to do with them is a bit nuanced! For starters though, here’s why these paper products can’t be recycled.

Napkins and other paper products similar to them are already made from highly-recycled paper with short fibers. These fibers are too weak to be recycled into new paper products. In addition, since we use napkins, tissues, and paper towels for everything from blowing our noses to wiping our mouths to cleaning the house, many of their uses mean they can’t be recycled. Doing so also exposes sorting facility workers to the biohazards of these products.

So what to do with them? If you have food-soiled paper towels and napkins, these are actually perfect for your backyard composting! Otherwise, they should be placed in the trash. And like last week: When In Doubt, Throw It Out!

We hope these recycling tips have been helpful for navigating the world of what can and can’t be recycled!

08/11/2026

Attend the demo and enter a drawing to win a free Earth Machine composter from Jill & Donna Team

08/02/2026

07/24/2026

That old humidifier you aren't using could make you $30.

07/17/2026

Not sure what to do with your old trash bin? You've got options! ✅

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗻:
- Convert your old cart to recycling by attaching a "RECYCLING" sticker. Recycling stickers are free of charge and are currently available at the Town Clerk's Office. Limited 2 per household.
- Use your old cart to hold PAYT overflow bags. This can discourage animals from getting into your trash.
- Use your old cart as storage for other items.

𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗶𝗻:
- If you have an E.L. Harvey cart, you can call 1-800-321-3002 and E.L. Harvey will schedule a no-cost pickup. Note that no refunds will be given if you initially purchased your cart from E.L. Harvey.
- The Groton Transfer Station at 600 Cow Pond Brook Road, Groton, MA 01450 will allow Westford residents to drop off old trash/recycling carts (one-time only) as part of Groton's rigid plastic collection, at no charge.
- E.L. Harvey will also collect old carts with a bulk sticker. You can fill the old cart with up to 50lbs of trash with the bulk sticker and they will take both the old cart and any trash inside. Bulk stickers are available for purchase for $15 at the Town Clerk's Office or Market Basket at 6A Cornerstone Square, Westford. There is a limit of one (1) bulk item per household per week, and pickups will occur on your regularly scheduled collection day.

For more information and the latest updates about our trash and recycling program, please visit: https://ayrs.io/LgGATY

07/07/2026

! Unfortunately, cartons are not recyclable. Please place cartons in the trash.

This article highlights the challenges Massachusetts has faced with carton recycling, including limited end markets and the economics of processing these materials. As recycling infrastructure continues to evolve, it's a reminder that what belongs in your recycling bin depends on your local program—not just the packaging label.

https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2021/10/19/why-carton-recycling-has-stalled-in-one-state/