This blog is part of our “Boost Your Recycling Knowledge” series.
The stark reality is that when we throw things ‘away’, there is no ‘away’. All of Arlington’s trash is incinerated. While incinerators take precautions to reduce their environmental impact, unfortunately there is no combination of technologies available today that can completely eliminate emissions from combustion. Plus, why would we want to trash items that could otherwise be reused or recycled?
Here is a simplified list of resources to help you divert more waste from your trash. More detailed information can be found at arlingtonma.gov/recycle. Arlington’s Reuse & Recycling Center collects many of the items below and has weekday and weekend appointments.
Note: None of the items below should be placed in your curbside bin.
| Item | Description | Where to Recycle |
| Textiles | 95% of all textiles – clothes, shoes, sheets, towels – are reusable and/or recyclable. | Collection bins at schools and around town |
| Books and pre-recorded media | Books, movies, games, CDs and DVDs | Reuse & Recycling Center or More Than Words |
| Electronics and small appliances | TV & monitors must be recycled. Other electronics are encouraged. | Reuse & Recycling Center |
| Scrap Metal | Screws, metal parts, etc. | Reuse & Recycling Center |
| Plastic Film | Recycle if it’s stretchy, clean and labels are removed. | Bring to grocery store (Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, etc.) |
| Food Scraps | Food scraps can be composted and turned into healthy soil. | Residents have three options: Curbside subscription service, backyard composting or FeedFiDO drop-off program |
| Mattresses/Box springs | Banned from trash in 2022. | Fee ($45/unit), Curbside collection OR drop off |
| Documents | Recycle general paper curbside, papers with personal info can be brought to periodic shredding events. | Shredding events |
| Large Appliances | Refrigerators, air conditioners, washers/dryers, etc. | Fee, curbside pickup only |
| Styrofoam | Clean, white, rigid packing foam that snaps when bent. Note: foam is OK to place in the trash since it’s 95% air. | Reuse & Recycling Center |
| Large, Bulky Rigid Plastics | Lawn furniture, kids yard toys and more. | Reuse & Recycling Center |
| Compostable ware | Compostable takeout containers. | Curbside subscription service (high heat required to break down the material) or trash |
| Paint | Latex paint and oil-based paint have different solutions for disposal. | Disposal instructions |
| Bulky wood waste | Small pieces of wood waste can fit into a trash barrel. | Bulky wood waste guide |
| Bulky items | A variety of items from grills to toilets. | View this list for ways to dispose of your bulky items. |
| Hazardous Waste | All hazardous waste must be disposed of properly. | Household hazardous waste disposal guidelines and info |
Here is a full list of items that can be recycled at the Reuse & Recycling Center.
Looking for places to donate household items in working condition? Consider bringing them to the Swap Shed or other local thrift/consignment stores.
Resources:
- Recylopedia: Can I recycle it? (RecycleSmart MA)
- Beyond the Bin (RecycleSmart MA)
- Town of Arlington’s Zero Waste Guide for donation, borrowing/sharing, reuse, and recycling.
- Blog: Textile Recycling = Money for our Schools
- Zero Waste Arlington: Ways to practice Reuse
- Zero Waste Arlington: Composting Options
- Zero Waste Arlington: Recycling resources
