DPW and Zero Waste Melrose Promote Recycling and Responsible Waste Removal
By Patrick DeVivo
Bins at the DPW's rigid plastics recycling event
Photo Credit: Nancy Clover
The start of spring is a time when many of us are seized by an urge to clean out - to sort through all the “stuff” that we routinely collect and to lighten our load.
However, doing so in a safe and environmentally responsible fashion can be a challenge. How often have we experienced that guilty pause before throwing away a piece of Styrofoam packing, or a cleaning chemical, used once and never again, and wishing there was a better way to dispose of it rather than sending it to a landfill somewhere to sit until the end of time?
In Melrose, assistance is available from both the city and fellow residents. The Melrose Department of Public Works (DPW) offers a robust recycling program, while Zero Waste Melrose, a local independent volunteer group, supports and builds upon the DPW's work.
The DPW is required by the state to provide recycling along with weekly trash pick-up. They also offer a schedule of recycling events throughout the year at the City Yard on Tremont Street. Items that should not end up in a landfill, such as paint, antifreeze, motor oil, hazardous waste, rigid plastics, etc. are collected on designated days of the year by companies that specialize in the safe disposal of these environmentally harmful products. The city also offers mattress recycling, bulk pick-up, and scrap metal disposal for a small fee.
According to Zack Laflamme, Environmental and Outreach Coordinator at the DPW, the city receives grant money from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to help fund efforts to address these additional “sustainability priorities.” The full list of Recycling Events offered by the city can be found here.
Zero Waste Melrose was started in the early ’90s by several Melrose residents concerned about the environment. The group has maintained a core of 10-12 dedicated individuals through the years. Some 20 to 25 other residents chip in their time and efforts at certain periods or for specific events.
“It’s important to note that the group was originally called The Melrose Recycling Committee,” says long-time member, Jeana McNeil. “But we changed the name to Zero Waste Melrose around 2018 because our work focuses more broadly on reuse, repair, and overall waste reduction, as well as recycling.”
Photo From Zero Waste Melrose
Waste reduction is only successful when there are legitimate disposal alternatives for items that would otherwise be included in the regular trash pick-up. Upcoming events sponsored or supported by Zero Waste Melrose promote these alternatives:
- Lend and Mend’s April 27th Repair Café. Lend and Mend, which is owned by Melrose resident Elaina Rivais, is a company whose goal is to promote the appropriate reuse of items across all industries. The Repair Café provides an opportunity for residents to bring in lamps, small electrical appliances, small furniture, and other household items to be fixed on the spot. If the item can’t be fixed so easily a repair plan can be developed.
- Recycling and Sustainability Day on May 17th, sponsored by State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian.
- Community-wide Swap Day on June 7th in the parking lot behind Memorial Hall, where reusable items can be dropped off and picked up at no charge.
- Community-wide Yard Sale on June 14th.
- Mini–Swap Day specifically for youth sports equipment – date to be scheduled.
- Regular TerraCycle Collection. TerraCycle is a company that specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle items. Details on the type of items to be collected and a drop-off schedule can be found here.
Zero Waste Melrose’s mission statement reflects the group’s holistic approach to addressing our waste problem. The statement defines the group’s role “as a resource and advocate to help residents, institutions, and visitors reduce their environmental impact, save money, and keep Melrose beautiful. The committee works directly with city officials to improve the solid waste and recycling programs in cost-effective and easy-to-implement ways.”
The group has been active in advocating for the passage of city ordinances related to the disposal of polystyrene packaging, restaurant waste, plastic shopping bags, and plastic straws.
When asked what motivates her to continue this volunteer work, McNeil acknowledges her fellow Zero Waste Melrose members and notes that “all of us are driven by providing service to the community and effecting change that will reduce waste and preserve our environment.”
Practical information about recycling and waste removal, as well as more information about Zero Waste Melrose, can be found on the group’s website.
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