Big Impact: Recycling Better Makes a Difference

Orange now offers more ways to recycle than ever—and every effort makes a difference. With convenient weekly curbside pickup and easy-to-use drop-off options at the Orange Transfer Station & Recycling Center (and other places in town), it’s simple for residents to make a real difference. And yet, recycling rates have gone down since last year and two full truckloads were recently rejected because they contained non-recyclable items. When that happens, the whole load becomes trash—creating more waste and costing more to remove than properly placed recyclables.

Curbside Recycling: Acceptable Items

Nearly every Orange household has a blue wheeled recycling bin that gets emptied weekly. Accepted materials include: paper and cardboard; glass bottles and jars; plastic bottles and containers; and aluminum cans (including empty aerosol cans) and foil. There’s no sorting required—just place items loose in the bin. Complete list at www.orangerecycles.com.

If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable, the Recycling Wizard at www.RecycleCT.com makes it easy to find out. Simply type in an item to learn whether it’s recyclable and how to dispose of it properly in Connecticut.

IMPORTANT: Keep Out of Recycling Bins

Never put plastic bags, films and wraps in curbside recycling bins or the mixed recyclables dumpster at the Transfer Station. These thin, malleable plastics can jam sorting machines, so including them with other recyclables may cause the entire load to be rejected. They can, however, be recycled separately.

Put plastic grocery/retail and bread bags, packaging wrap, zip-top bags, bubble wrap, etc. in the Plastic Bags & Wraps shed at the Transfer Station or in designated bins at local stores. If you gather recyclables in a plastic bag, empty them into the appropriate bin then place the bag in a designated plastic bag bin.

Additional items that may seem recyclable but are not and must go in the trash include: black plastic bags and containers; ice melt, mulch, topsoil, etc. bags; snack bags and candy wrappers; frozen food bags; pet food or litter bags; and Styrofoam.

If in doubt, throw it out.

Heed Signs at the Transfer Station

The Orange Transfer Station is user-friendly and well-marked. Each bin, container, dumpster, compactor, and trailer has clear signage explaining what should and should not be placed there. Please read signs or ask an attendant for guidance to help keep materials in the right place and prevent contamination of recyclables. www.orangerecycles.com/transfer-station 

More Easy Ways to Help—and Save Money

Glass Recycling - A dedicated glass recycling container (green) is available at the Transfer Station. In one recent month, residents recycled 1,400 pounds of glass, helping reduce trash disposal costs. When full, it gets emptied off-site so if it’s not there when you go, save items for your next visit.

Textile Recycling - Residents can recycle clothing, shoes, household textiles and more by putting items in the white Baystate Textiles bins at the Transfer Station, High Plains Community Center, Public Works, or Case Memorial Library. In one recent month, 2,700 pounds of textiles were collected this way, diverting them from the trash stream and generating revenue for the town. www.orangerecycles.com/clothing-shoes-housewares 

Food Scrap Composting - There are four green compost bins at the Transfer Station where residents can put food scraps including fruits, vegetables, meats, bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, and leftovers. Residents may dump scraps directly into the bin or place them in a plastic bag and throw the entire bag in—plastic bags are OK. In one recent month, 700 pounds of food waste were composted instead of discarded. www.orangerecycles.com/compost-food-scraps 

Small Actions, Real Results

In Orange, recycling is convenient and accessible—and every action makes a real difference in reducing contamination and saving resources. By obeying signs at the Transfer Station, checking www.orangerecycles.com for details, and using the Recycling Wizard at www.recyclect.com, you can help maximize recycling efforts.

Reminder: April 11 is the twice-yearly Paper Shredding & More event at High Plains Community Center, 9am-noon. Included: Document Shredding, Mattresses & Box Springs, Hazardous Household Waste, Clothing & Household Goods, Electronics. Details at www.orangerecycles.com/paper-shred-mattress-recycle