Springfield simplifies recycling

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - In December, recycling will be easier for Springfield residents. Household will no longer need to separate paper from plastic, glass, and cans.

The city’s single stream recycling pilot program in east Forest Park was a huge success. According to the project manager, Greg Superneau from the Department of Public Works, recycling rates doubled.

“We saw a decrease in the amount of rubbish disposed of by about 20 percent,” Superneau told 22News on Tuesday.

Although new 95 gallon recycling bins will be delivered in November to approximately 1/3 of Springfield households, single stream recycling will not be collected until December 1st. Until then, residents should continue to separate recyclables.

On December 1st, all homes will be allowed to mix items for recycling. Streets where new barrels were not delivered can use small bins. Additional bins will become available.

Superneau explained that the program will save Springfield big bucks.

“We expect to save several hundred thousand dollars a year by instituting this program,” he said.

Savings will come from fewer trash disposal fees. Additional time, money, and energy will be conserved with newly configured trucks. They can compact recyclables and collect more on each run.

Visit the Springfield DPW’s website for information about new barrels.