CHICOPEE - Mayor Richard J. Kos along with officials from Chicopee DPW are proposing the allocation of $128,000 dollars from available funds in the “Free Cash” account to establish a recycling center at the Baskin Drive DPW Headquarters. The Financial Order is on the agenda for the June 5, 2018 City Council meeting. The Chicopee Landfill closure is still projected to be at the end of this calendar year. This will result in the closure of the resident drop-off area which sees thousands of resident visits annually.
A recycling center will enable residents the opportunity to drop off certain recyclable materials locally rather than directing them out-of-town. A permit system will continue to be in place for residents.
Two (2) major recyclables have given impetus to establishing the center – mattresses and brush/yard waste. The City is required under a grant agreement with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to continue to collect mattresses for the next five years at minimum. The City remains committed to collecting as many recyclables as possible to keep these materials out of the trash, thus reducing our trash disposal costs which will double once the landfill closes.
This recycle center WILL NOT collect trash, as that would require a permit from MassDEP as well as increase operational costs. The City has applied for a MassDEP grant to purchase a compactor and roll-off containers for the center.
Currently the site is being cleared and prepped in-house by DPW crews, and is also being configured to provide for possible future expansion should the need arise to collect additional recyclable materials in the future.
“Now is the time to plan so that this essential service to our residents continues.” Mayor Richard Kos said.
Below is the list of items that will be accepted at the DPW Recycling Center:
- Mattresses and Box Springs**
- Textiles
- Cardboard
- Books
- Rigid Plastics
- Universal Waste (batteries, light bulbs)
- Used Paint
- Propane Tanks
- Scrap Metal
- Yard Waste and Brush
**Note: There will be a charge for mattress/box spring drop-off
Please contact the Chicopee DPW at 413-594-3557 with any questions in regards to this recycling center.
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